In Love with Life

by Chirssy Maher

Reading The Book of Mev has made me feel elated, angry, pathetic, lonely, and even hopeful (which is rather odd for me – I’m kind of a pessimist – working to get over that). What I’ve written is not mind blowing or eloquent. It’s just one of the larger things I have gotten out of The Book of Mev and that really speaks to me at this moment.

Mev is clearly an amazing and compassionate person. Mark, you are too. You’ve turned a horrible loss into something that truly helps others. You’re letting us into your and Mev’s most personal thoughts, quirks, challenges, everything. Anyone who reads knows this. Thank you for your openness.

What really moves me in The Book of Mev is love – for self, family and friends, and strangers. I find the photo of you and Mev in the beginning of the book, under the quote, “Be in love with yr life” so striking. You and Mev truly appear in love with life. Your words demonstrate that. I want that love. I’ve been going through a difficult time in my so-called love life while reading The Book of Mev. I remember reading on the train ride home from Chicago with the sun looking so beautiful on the stumps of corn stalks. I would read then stare out the window thinking about my life and where it is going. I don’t know where I want it go, but I know it is not where I currently am. Mev is an inspiration in confidence and passion. I want my passion back. I want to have love like that between you and Mev. I decided on that train ride that I will not settle in any way. I want to be with someone who makes me want to be a better person. I want someone who takes me out of my bubble. I want someone who amazes me. I wonder if that kind of magical love is rare. Anyways, I’ll quit rambling. That photo just sums up The Book of Mev for me. Perhaps it’s a sign that I need to put more of my love out into the world.

Chrissy Maher graduated from SLU in 2007 and is Membership Coordinator for the Illinois Environmental Council.