The last thing I thought I would ever do is stand at a podium memorializing Mike. But life’s plans let us know that we are not in control. I’ve known Mike so long I don’t remember anything before we were friends. We were lucky because our neighborhood was close knit with about a 5-6 block radius of kids who all intermingled and got along.
There was nobody closer to me than Mike. He was a friend, business partner, confidant, brother, spiritual and moral advisor and uncle to my children. He played a lot of roles in my life and that’s a void I can’t refill. Nor am I looking to. For two days I cried endlessly at the loss of my brother. At the fact I wouldn’t hear his voice or shake his hand or share ideas with him. That he wouldn’t be at my sons football games or that my children wouldn’t run up to see Uncle Mike anymore. That hurts me more than anything you could imagine. I know that anytime anyone thinks of Mike that hurt will come. But I beg of you to take a step back and realize that, the same source of that hurt, is the same source of happiness, joy, memories and love. When you think of Mike close your eyes, send a prayer up, and talk to him. It’s going to be okay.