MiembroMarkStevenPorro

Mark Steven Porro, a New Jersey native (Exit 163), holds an Industrial Design degree from The Ohio State University. After years of agency work, his love of acting led him to Hollywood, where he appeared in dozens of television, film, and theatre productions. Mark also spent his twenty-eight years in Hollywood, entrepreneuring. He started five non-profit companies. But hold the applause, none were intended to be. He now lives in the South of France. But hold your pity. He of sound mind and body chose to suffer in the heart of wine country where the locals insist his French isn’t so bad—at least that’s what he thinks they’re saying.

Mark is an award-winning designer, writer, and director. He has written lots of jokes, several screenplays, and one award-winning short film. A Cup of Tea on the Commode—a sad, sweet, and funny memoir—chronicles his adventures of filling his mother’s last years with love, laughter, and joy. Though not always successful, he came pretty damn close. And he survived to tell the tale. WriteLife Publishing released the book to the world on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023.

Early Praise for A Cup of Tea on the Commode

"A Cup of Tea on the Commode. My Multi-Tasking Adventures of Caring for Mom. And How I Survived to Tell the Tale" by *Mark Steven Porro* requires laughter, tears, and heartbreak to read. It also will ring a tolling bell for many caregivers out there, especially sons, husbands, and brothers. This could only have been written by a Jersey boy and it echoes my journey of returning to New Jersey to care for my Mom and Dad. Here's yet another amazing caregiver being honest and raw inspiring us to keep keeping on.
— Susanne White, Caregiver Warrior, author of "Self-Care for Caregivers"

This is a beautiful book from the heart of a beautiful man! Do yourself a favor—it is an inspiring read.
— Jocelyn Jones, author of Artist: Awakening the Spirit Within

This book was like sitting down at the kitchen table and sharing troubles with and old friend. Having parents is common, taking care of them with all the intimate details involved is not. Mark Steven Porro shared all the victories and defeats, sorrows, and disappointments along with making you giggle at some of the sillier exchanges between he and his mother. This book helps us to appreciate the tremendous effort that goes into caregiving and why we should all look to help lighten caregiver's emotional and physical load when we can. Thank you NetGalley for providing this opportunity for me to read this book. It's a keeper."
— Laurie Mosey, Librarian, a NetGalley Review

"A Cup of Tea on the Commode is a beautiful tribute to Genevieve Porro. As a reader, I felt like I got to know her as a person—she is funny, endearing, sensitive, and I laughed many times throughout. I love the narrator's tone of voice is unique, humorous, definitive, and conversational. It speaks to the readers. Mark doesn't shy away from expressing all emotions he felt as he took care of his mother, and it is very endearing. There are many touching stories in the manuscript, and many that will resonate with readers on an emotional level."
— Allison Itterly, Acquisitions Editor

"This is a humorous account about Mark Steven Porro and his family's story from his siblings to his parents, to the suicides in his family. It all makes for a mostly humorous but at times a sad tale and how in a time where people are only looking for what makes them happy, this man gave up everything to move back across the country to tend to his dying mother. It really is touching, heartwarming, and so worth reading. I am so glad I read it. I almost didn't due to the title but was curious enough to read the summary and OMG, I'm glad I did."
— Janalyn Prude, a NetGalley Review

"I always believe that the impact of a book is measured by the lingering thoughts and reflections that remain afterwards. And A Cup of Tea on The Commode scores highly in this respect."
— Paul Jeremaes, Co-author of Enter Your Flow, an Interactive Journey Toward Fulfillment and Happiness in Your Work Life.

"This book, A Cup of Tea on The Commode, had me clutching it until done!"
— Nancy May, host of Doing It Best with Eldercare Success podcast

"Really detailed story about Porro. I appreciated how he crafted this memoir. I enjoyed his story-telling and felt like I was part of his family at times. Five stars! Well-written!"
— Kelly Pramberger, Goodreads

"I found A Cup of Tea on the Commode very moving. I like the writing style - the humour highlights Genevieve's stoic sense of fun. It is an inspirational story that bravely tells it like it is. I must confess, it brought me to tears, but then it also made me laugh. Good combination."
— Dr. Sharon Ager Wray, PhD in Sociology

"In his own words, 'Dedication is not my problem...' Mark proves that beyond a doubt in this lovingly emotional dedication to (not only) his mother but his whole family and his life. Having a frighteningly similar experience with my own mother (albeit not as "hands on" as Mark) I couldn't imagine the tale told better than here in this book."
— Larry Thomas, The Soup Nazi from Seinfeld