to see the ocean one last time. We planned to go the next day. But just as we were about to leave, I was called to perform emergency surgery. I told Mark I’d make it up to him. He smiled and said, “Go save that girl.” When I returned,

he was gone—peaceful, as if waiting for me one last time. I never took Mark to the ocean, but I had him buried by the shore. And in every life I save now, I carry his kindness with me. He saved me once. I hope I’ve honored that gift by saving others.