In the fall of 2016, Kendall joined Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), the refugee resettlement ministry of The Episcopal Church, where she worked under Mark’s leadership. As part of the Engagement team, and alongside her colleague Allison Duvall, Kendall quickly found great joy in roasting Mark for his “stepdad jokes” — the kind that invite an Olympic-level eye roll. Between the laughter and the long days, they developed a deep respect for one another and discovered they shared the same quick wit and offbeat sense of humor. When Mark left EMM in 2018 to become Canon to the Presiding Bishop, they remained close colleagues and friends. Their paths continued to cross through the Presiding Bishop’s office, with frequent Zoom catchups, shared meals at work conferences, and plenty of storytelling. Over time, their friendship deepened as they discovered that their shared humor extended to nearly everything else — from their taste in music and movies to a mutual love of travel and good food. Their friendship became a steady anchor through some of life’s hardest moments. Kendall leaned on Mark’s support as she grieved the loss of her younger sister, and Mark found Kendall’s friendship invaluable as he navigated the challenges of Joy’s illness. During the strange era of COVID, they were each other’s comic relief — trading memes, swapping jokes, and occasionally meeting up on Zoom to catch up. After the pandemic, when Mark came through town, they always found time for dinner — often closing down restaurants with their laughter and conversation. In 2023, Kendall suffered a serious accident while visiting family in California and was hospitalized for six weeks. Mark was one of the first calls she made, and he was a steady presence throughout her recovery — even arranging her travel home after two and a half months away and checking in on her family. When, a year later, Kendall broke her leg in a fall that required surgery, Mark was once again there with friendship and care. True to their pattern, the tables soon turned: as Joy’s health declined in 2024, Kendall walked with Mark through the heartbreak of her passing, just as he had done for her years before. It was early 2025, during one of their much-loved dinners — the kind where laughter came easily and time disappeared — that Mark took a deep breath and asked Kendall if she might like to spend more time together. He was certain she’d glance at her watch, make an excuse, and make a run for it. Instead, Kendall smiled and said she would love that. And so began a love story born of years of friendship, shared laughter, and mutual respect. As their relationship grew, so did their adventures. They found joy in traveling together, exploring new places, and cooking side by side. Mark has since converted Kendall (and her boys!) into loyal Cubs fans — a fact he mentions with no small amount of pride. When the time came for Kendall to introduce Mark to her sons, William and Noah, they met for indoor mini golf. Noah spent most of the night throwing shade at Mark, unsure about this new man in his mother’s life. Fast forward to today, and Noah is the first to offer him a fist bump. Meanwhile, William and Mark have developed a friendly rivalry built on mutual teasing and good humor. Even Mark and Brandon’s (Kendall’s ex and co-parent) first meeting was memorable — both convinced that everyone in the Starbucks thought Mark was either interviewing Brandon or on a date with him. These days, it’s not uncommon for everyone to end up at Kendall’s house sharing a meal, telling stories, and laughing together. The spirit of togetherness has only deepened — a reminder that family isn’t defined by simple boundaries, but by love, gratitude, and the willingness to show up for one another. Together, they’ve built a family rooted in kindness, laughter, and grace — one family, whole and complete, in all the best and most unexpected ways.