Prologue by Andrew Bowins:

On December 10, 2023, the universe paused, and together we wept. It was on this day that we lost a dear friend—a loving father, husband, author, and CEO. Mark Weiner was all of these and so much more. His softly spoken advice, genuine love for people, and profound wisdom touched countless lives. I was fortunate to be one of those people.

Mark encouraged me and was the first to sign on as an advisor to RestlessUrban. He helped shape the vision, uplifted me during moments of doubt, and brought joy with his countless stories and nuggets of wisdom. Over time, he discovered his voice, felt the calling to share, and began to write. On November 8, 2023, Mark shared the words below as his introduction to RestlessUrban. Tragically, we lost him just weeks later.

I was reminded recently that when someone passes, they live on every time we smile, recall shared moments, or tell stories in their name. With that in mind, I invite you to reflect on Mark’s teachings below and remember that he lives on in our hearts.

We Are Not In High School Anymore

To quote Rodney Dangerfield, “I’m alright now, but last week I was in rough shape.”  While my friends attended our 50-year high school reunion last week, I was in hospital battling pneumonia.  I decided earlier this year not to go but it turned out I couldn’t have gone anyway.

I give pneumonia zero stars, but it does provide a certain clarity.

I bear no regrets about missing the reunion. In my mind’s eye, the cheerleaders over whom I crushed are still cute, the guys are all fit and I, well, I’m still vigorous and sexy.  Why test my memory?

Nope. We’re not in high school anymore.

A second reminder involves the personal training sessions my son Cameron gave me for my birthday. Besides the online registration form which required me to scroll down to my birth year (1955 used to be so much closer to the top!), my first session was a splash of cold water.  As the trainer set the weight for the first machine, I told her, “I can do more…I used to bench 150!”  Not quite. I benched 15 pounds.  That zero makes a difference!  A version of this repeated itself at every station in the workout.  Finally, I came to terms with a ten-pound shoulder press…both arms, total weight.

I retired this year. Now, I tell myself that whatever I’ve surrendered to the bench press, I’ve gained in wisdom.  Beyond sleeping late and eating as much ice cream as I like, I focus on the future as well as my happiness. Life is rich! I concentrate on doing the things that make me happy with the people who make me happy.  Through high school and throughout my career, I chased recognition. It took a psychiatrist to tell me “What more do you need to be recognized for?  You’ve done it all! You’ve already been recognized!”

I’m not in high school anymore. But history is a foundation to better understand the present and the future. Now I can do what I want with the people who bring the most joy: my bride, my family, and my friends.

And there begins my story as a RestlessUrban.

Mark Weiner with his wife Braden and sons Graham and Cameron.