Mark Lopez
Mark Lopez is a chef, farmer and owner of Crave Catering and Gather and Feast Farm. “Growing up with a passion for cooking and the love of the outdoors [combined] with my love of fresh home-grown tomatoes–that’s how I ended up as a chef and farmer.”
Dad to: Lilee, 9, and Zachary (Zak), who turns 17 on Father’s Day
Hometown: San Marcos, CA
Favorite ways to spend family time in WA: Camping, hiking, cooking and farm life.
Your most rewarding fatherhood moment: The day I became a dad! Too many to count ever since. I love the tiny voices of my kids when they were small. I love their eyes so full of wonder. I love their unbridled laughter. Belly laughs and silly times. Cuddles, snuggles and hugs. I love watching them learn and grow. I love hearing their ideas.
Biggest challenge as a dad: Zak’s teenage years. Zak’s medical challenges. He was born with only five percent of functioning intestines. By the time he was six months old, he was listed for an intestinal transplant and a liver transplant. Despite the medical challenges, he’s a happy kid. He gets his nutrition via IV and has a surgically placed IV called a Broviac catheter. It goes into the main artery in his neck and into his heart. It is highly susceptible to infection. Over the years, he has had over 30 surgeries. We are lucky the last five years has been pretty routine.
A father who inspires you and why: There was a movie with Roberto Benigni. Life is Beautiful. This Jewish father hides his son when they are captured during the Holocaust. He tells his son that they are in a game, and he uses the perfect mixture of will, humor and imagination to protect his son from the dangers around camp.
Best piece of advice for a new dad: Lead with your heart.
Your biggest hope for your children: I hope they have happy hearts that are filled with gratitude, and are quick to help others in need.
How are you celebrating Father’s Day? It’s Zak’s birthday, so we are having family over and having a double celebration!
Love you Dad