Michael Medrano Obituary

Me and the girls talk about Mario and Michael many times and can't understand how these things happen.. Not once but twice, its like a dream. They were both clean cut navy guys with lots of potential,,,a very big loss to us all. We cherish the memories of when they stayed at my house and played. I'll hang on to them forever. We had good times Love Aunt Doris

Miss you and Mario everyday. Wish I had someone to joke with and tell stories how we did back in the day. Love you Michael.

Before Mario passed away he gave me your hunting knife. I cherish this and keep close by everyday. I´ll never let it go.

Our time together was priceless. If only it was a little longer. Love forever, Dad

Always and forever, each moment with you was like a dream come true..And i know tomorrow will still be the same cause I got a life of love that
wont ever change....Everyday I love you my own special way......

I’ll never miss you less. I think about you all the time, in grocery stores, watching movies, fishing. I’ll forever be proud to call you my son. Love forever Dad

So much time has gone by and I wonder what things you could of done. We talk of you and all the good things we did. My memories make me smile. I miss you. rest easy and be with your brother Mario.
love you
aunt Doris

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Dear Medrano Family,

I recently came across this site after seeing Michael had passed on the VJA Thunderbolts in the Sky page. I attended school with Michael at Prairie View and Andrew High School. Although I was not "friends" with Michael I do have fond memories of him from our classes together; he was ALWAYS kind hearted and would make me laugh.

Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue on the unimaginable journey without your loved one.

Respectfully,
Mary Sopha (Ventrella)

Miss you more then I've ever be able to define.

giving thanks for the years we had, lil michael. I'll never forget you.

I will never be the same without you, and that is okay with me. Love Dad

I have such JOY and PAIN when I think of you.
always and forever
Doris

We missed you at Camp Nawakwa...but will never forget you.
aunt doris

Michael, thinking of you and miss you. Please watch over Nolan. I wish you were here.
Love, Aunt Joyce, Nolan, Damon and Rachel

As Grandma and I sit here we think about how long you have been gone and how much you are missed.
Love from Grandma, Aunt Joyce, Aunt Bern, Devon, Alena and Nolan as well as Uncle Anthony and Angelo. xoxo

As the season of the hearts approach, I know it is the time of year we lost Michael. I look at all the hearts all over the city and think of you. Time has past, but your memories stay with me and will always and forever.
I love and miss you nephew.
Aunt Doris

The best hug I had in my entire life was the last time I seen Michael alive. I miss you everyday

Fond memories, a few cool tattoos and tears of love are just three ways Michael lives in my heart and soul. Love Dad

Today is Michael's 28th birthday...I miss him very much and so does Mario out to sea, and my husband Mike...Michael is in my heart, my mind and my love everyday - Love Mom

Mike and Nick... Won't even try to imagine how hard it is for you guys. Powerful photos showing how much he is loved to this day and will be loved forever. Wish I would have had the chance to get to meet him. I love his father. I love his brother. I am sure I would have loved him.

I didn't know you Mike Jr., but I have the honor of getting to know your dad & call him my friend. I can't even begin to understand the pain or loss your family must still feel. Thank you so much for sharing these memories with me.

I'm often asked, "how many kids do you have?" My reply is always the same, I say, "three."

Michael lives in my heart. I just dont have anywhere to send his birthday card.

my heart is with you mike and nick

For all who were blessed by Michael in their lives, know that he is with God in heaven. Know that one day you will be joined with him. His memories, laughter, and love will always live on in your hearts. His spirit can never leave you. Continue to live as he would have wanted you to, each day as best and as fulfilling as you can.

A friend of the family,

Michael, the memories, thoughts feelings will never leave my heart the day you walked out of that door. Days went by, i remember everything. sitting on the stairs crying, wanting to show and share my love to you so bad. Wanting to say i love you with all my heart. My inside screaming I LOVE YOU. "say it say it." But it never came out. Instead i just cried, hugged you and went to my room. This is the memory i last have with you amongst a few others. My awesome brother Michael Medrano I love you and i know you know this because i tell you often but i love love love you. Time Stops, i sit and think, pray and remember. The good memories i have with you are nice and instead of crying i smile and remember those.
I know the reason they found you on that train is because of the amazing heart you have, helping the lady with her bags. Being a gentleman to an old lady.

Know you can never say I love you to much to the people you love.

Thanks for the memories nephew, love and miss you.
Aunt Doris

This day has been scarred into my heart and soul because its the day I lost my son. Remembering the time spent with him keeps me alive.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Love Grandma Sarah, Auntie Bernie, Alena, Devon

The really sad realization is there was only one Michael, and he can never be replaced, never.

Michael, a great son, words miss the mark when it comes to explaining the void. It is nice with the emptiness gets filled with fond memories.

After a few rainy days the sun came out and I thought of you. Wish we could have had more time Michael.
Love you,
Aunt Joyce

Not a day goes by I don't think about my son, Little Michael.
I will always love and admire you

Michael,

We miss you and think of you often.
Love, Aunt Joyce, Nolan, Damon and Rachel.

Five years ago today I lost a wonderful grandson. I miss you very much.

Grandma

I am proud to be the father of Michael Joseph Medrano Jr. I will be proud forever. Never once was I not proud to have such a fun loving, compassionate, respectable son.

Michael my son:
I would be excited each day I knew we would be together. Sometimes I felt like a little kid wanting everything to be just right so the time would be fun for you/us. Sometimes I was so excited that I would get scared that you would get bored while we were hanging out. I know sometimes you pretended to be asleep when we drove together to work in the morning because you weren't a "morning person." But I talked all the way to work anyway because it was the best time of my day. You made it the best time because you didn't get annoyed, you knew it was important for me and just talked with me anyway. For that thank you.

If I was certain there was a life after death and I would be able to spend just a few moments with you I would have been there already.

I just met you & heard about your son read your book & you both touched my heart! As a parent of a lost one who still grieves after 5 yrs. wants you both to know that Michael is an Angel looking down and loving his Dad for all that he's doing. To you Michael my condolences.

Missing my son, Michael, every day. It hurts to think about this bad dream/never ending nightmare. The only thing that keeps me participating in life is knowing that Michael would want me to.

Dear Michael,

Grandma Sarah, Aunt Bernadette and your cousins and I miss you so much. One day we will all be together and maybe in heaven we will be a family.
Love Aunt Joyce and Nolan

WE ALL MISS YOU. I LOOK AT YOUR PHOTO OFTEN AND SHAKE MY HEAD.
YOU WERE A JOY AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.


DORIS

Uncle Mike,
I just want you to know that you are In my thought's. You are a good person that takes care of your family to the fullest. I know It has been a rough ride. Keep In mind... they say we will all unite In the end. Have faith and keep a smile. Love and respect!


Lil Michael,
Till this day I regret not spending more time with you. You tried reaching out to me a few times, but I was young and dumb caught up with the streets and was always to busy. That Is something I have to live with. I'm sure you are looking down at me saying " Relax... Its no big deal" with a smile on your face. Well family, when I get there, we have to do some catching up. Till then, know you will never be forgotten. Love ya cousin.

Michael,

Thinking of you and sending our love.
Aunt Joyce and Nolan

Lil Michael,
Thinking of you alot during the holidays. Love you family!

Michael you live in your brothers and those you continue to touch. I think about you and replay different interactions all the time.

Time is going too fast. I cannot believe it has been 3 1/2 years since Michael passed. I relive our memories and smile, cry, regret and cherish all in a matter of minutes.

JUST THINKING OF YOU... R.I.P.

Lil Michael,
Thinking about you,just thought i would leave a little note here.....even though you're gone,you're still loved and in our heart's.I bet you're so proud of you're brother's for doing so good.May you rest in peace at the hand's of God.You will never be forgott'n!

If only you were here, it would be the big 25 years old today.

I now realize you were a true blessing and it was a privilege to have you in my life for 21 years. I will cherish the memories the rest of my life.

Dear Michael:

Another year gone by. I hope you are resting in peace. We miss and love you.
Aunt Joyce and Nolan

Michael Medrano Jr. left this world three years ago today. I think of daily. If you didn't know him, let me tell you, you would have enjoyed his company. He was respectful, loving, intelligent, handsome and a wonderful son. Michael had no trouble making alot of people laugh. I am blessed to have been apart of his life and involved in his life through the good, bad and in between. It hurts to know I will never be with him again, so the memories will have to suffice. Michael, rest in peace, know you are loved and thank you for being you. Love forever Dad.

Dear Lil Michael,
We miss you dearly.....we will always miss you. Three years have gone by and it seems like only yesterday you were part of our lives, which is something we took for granted. We love you and know we will see you again.

Love Grandma, Aunte Bernie, Devon and Alena

Michael:
Another year is closing upon us and I look to February with a heavy heart as that is a month which brings me no joy. Your grandmother, uncles, aunts and cousins remember you always and forever will hold you near and dear.
Love,
Aunt Joyce

Michael, AKA little Michael
I think about you everyday. I relive memories, most of which are good, but some are mistakes I made as a father. I'd give my life to have back just long enough to hug you, laugh with you and make amends for the mistakes I made. I know you would tell me that I was a good father, and I did the best I could at the time but not having you here to fix them is painful.

You continue to touch lives and live within me, and your brothers Mario and Nick, not to mention all the others who love you.

Time keeps ticking and I have come to various realizations, but there will never be enough time to heal entirely. I wouldn't feel right if I did anyway.

February is coming again, and it brings with it; depression, regret, and grief but its normal and I can handle it; it only happens because I love and miss you so much, besides you are worth every tear. Love forever Dad

Dear Michael:
You do not know me, Your Son did not know me. I just stumbled on this guest book by accident. I was looking for the guest book for a co-worker named Lourdis Medrano.I started reading this guest book and was extremely touched bye all of the entry's from your family and friend's. But it was your personel entry's that made me decide to write mine.I am a father of a young son and I can not even begin to imagine the pain you have suffered.But I must commend you for being as strong as you are. I can tell your son was loved bye many. And bye readding all of your entry's it had made me stop and think a little about how special every second I spend with my son is.Sometimes I think we take advantage of the little things in life.So I just want to say Thank you. Thank you for opening my eyes just a little more.

God Bless
(A Stranger)

Michael,

Thinking about you.
Love,
Aunt Joyce and Nolan

Hello Michael Jr,

My Name is Nick and I have grown to become friends with your father and he has and maintains what I want (Peace within himself for nearly 20 yr's). It is a shame we never met we could have been fishing buddies. Your Dad honor's you the best way I know how and that is by never forgetting you and living his life to the fullest. See you some day.

PS You and I share the same middle name so you must have been a great person.

Nick Joseph Allo

It could be while I am driving, walking or shopping that I see you in the side view mirror of a jeep, or from a distance. I always feel you in my heart and have heard your words come from your brothers and different young men. Forever, Dad

Michael Jr,
From the trust I have in your father, i truly believe that you were an amazing person and are a never-ceasing spirit in his heart. I can feel you looking over him and feel it in his actions that he loves you unconditionally, without a doubt in the universe. i feel it when he talks about you, even more so than the astounding love i feel when he shares and cares for me. i am truly grateful for him, so as you keep the light on for him, he will do the same for me. Without even knowing you in person, Michael Jr., I love you in spirit.
rest in peace, and we will meet on down the road.

Dear Nephew Michael:
Wisconsin is coming up and I know that is a place where you found peace. Your spirit is strong and your loved ones will feel your presence while they enjoy all that you enjoyed with them in past years while vacationing in Wisconsin. I am sure your brothers and your father will "catch one" for you!
Love, Aunt Joyce

Keep you're head up uncle Mike...lil. Michael would have wanted that.You gotta be strong...for Nick,Mario an youself... stay up....

As another one of Michael's birthday's passes I am at a loss for words.
All I know is I miss my son who would have celebrated his 24th birhtday yesterday.

Thinking about you today; just like every other day.

Love,
Aunt Joyce

Lil Michael....
May you rest in peace and watch over us...you're never forgott'n.
We all miss you family.One day we'll all be together,till then you'll be in our thought's!!!

Alfonse...

Michael,
This will always be a tragic day for us. We miss you dearly and think of you often. Rest in peace.
Love,
Aunt Joyce, Uncle Tom, Nolan, Damon and Rachel

At approx 7:30am, on this day, my son passed away.

If you believe in a higher power perhaps you can take a moment to pray for those who also suffer from addictions, and thank that Higher Power for those of us who lived through that hell. How about taking a moment to cherish the loved ones in your life by showing them you love them.

One thing I am grateful for is being taught to clear up wreckage of the past. If my son Michael and I had not done that, I don't know if I would have pulled though his death. Still today, part of me is dead inside. Most of me knows Michael would want me to continue on my journey by enjoying life to the fullest, its just hard to do without him at my side.

Life has to end, love does not.
P.S. Michael Jr, be the best angel you can be and keep the light on for me, Love forever, Dad

Mike
As I said before I will be there when the calmness comes. And I pray daily for you Mario and Nick...

To all of Michael Medrano Jr's family from The Flores Family we wish that you find peace and happiness during the holidays! Sincerely have a great Christmas.We also think of Michael Jr. many times throughout the year and miss him as well. I know that he and our little son Sheldon are together and that puts a smile on our faces. Once again Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year.

Michael Medrano Jr., I miss you, my son, each and every day. You visit in my dreams and we interact like you never left this world. Perhaps that is because you live in my soul, in Mario's sense of humor and in Nicks gentleman like charactor. You left your mark, but I still rather have you. But I am selfish, so go ahead and be the angel that peeks through the clouds. Love Dad

Tears come to my eyes, followed by a smile, when i think of Micheal Jr. I only knew him for a short period of time on this Earth, but he only needed a short amount of time to greatly impact someone. We laugh about the good times and remember him that way. He continues to change lives even though he's gone. My prayers are with you.

Uncle Mike, thank you so much for opening this page. It finally gives me an outlet to tell Michael how much I miss him so dearly. We were so close ever since we were drinking bottles and fighting over who got to play with what toys. I miss him so much and I pray to him everyday. My prayers will always be with him and I cant help but cry with you. I havent seen you in awhile, but I pray for the strength and with the faith of God we will get through this. R.I.P. Mikey....I miss you so much and I'd give anything to see you again. Love always and forever.

Sometimes I scream for you because I cannot hear you and I feel like I need you. But there are other times when I am not speaking and not expecting a response that your message is loudest. Thank you for those moments Michael I still need them. I am still trying to make you proud… With Love, Shannon Aileen

A day doesn't go by without me thinking about and missing my wonderful son Michael. Perhaps someday this may make sense, but I do not see that happening as long as I am alive on this earth. I am sure he is as proud of his brothers as I am. Still questions riddle my mind. Could I have done or said something to stop this nightmare? Another day of shallow existance, fake smiles, and questions that can never be answered. I guess learning to live with the pain just means that I accept Michael's absence and find creative ways to hurry the sad thoughts through my mind, nothing more. Then there is the alone time, when no one is near and it sets in as real as yesterday. As weird as it sounds I am grateful to at least I can feel the pain, no running or hiding or medicating. I will always honor my son by feeling the intensity of losing him.

Today Nolan asked me if he could look thru my box of old pictures. he does this now and again. He found many, many of you and Mario and began asking a lot of questions about each picture. The pictures brought to mind what a fun and active boy you were and how close you and Mario had always been. We think of you often Michael and it is comforting to know you are in good hands now.

Love,

Aunt Joyce and Cousin Nolan

Michael and I once went paintballing together. We were on the same team. It was about 80 degrees out and we were in the swamp field. They warned us about the mud pit but Michael and I attacked the other team via the mud pit. I ran ahead to check the depth of the pit to find myself nearly waist high, stuck in mud. Michael and few other members of our team watched as I struggled to craw out of the mud. They waited patiently in case any of our enemies surfaced. By the time I got out of the mud we anly had about 15 minutes left in the game. One of our team members who attacked from the mudless side with most of our team came running back to our side of the wooded field to tell us that most of our team had been shot and eliminated. Therefore the only choice we had was to retreat to our fort, and prepare to be attacked while protecting our flag. They came at us like a bunch of unrulely drunken Brits after a soccer game. One by one our team members were shot. Leaving Michael and I alone and surrounded. Our ammo was low and the other team left no one at their fort, we were fighting the entire team. Soon I was out of ammo, and only moments later, we were both searching for unexploded paintaballs on the ground. We looked at each other and said, they don't have to know we are out of paintballs. (When you shoot a paint ball gun the sound is the same with or without paintballs.)So we stood our ground, pretending to shoot, pretending that we were stocked with ammo and invincable. The whistle blew ending the game and together Michael and I defended the fort until the end without a paintball between us. That was a great day. Dad

Our hearts go out to you on this sad day.

Love,

Alfonse,Chrissy,Gina,Cynthia

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane - I'd walk up to heaven and bring you home again.

You being in my dreams, memories, and sometimes fueling my laughter, or releasing my tears reminds me of the time we shared and continue to share unconditional love. Emotions fill my soul and drive my spirit but if it was any less intense I'd be grasping for more. You deserve peace, you deserve rest, the least I could do is embrace the feelings that come along with our parting ways. Your spirit brightens the light at the end of the tunnel when I lose faith and question if this life is truly a gift. Stay vibrant in my heart one beat at a time because you remind me to cherish my short time on Earth. Thank you for being an adorable, loving son. Thank you for always loving me as imperfact as I am. Thank you for always telling me you love me. We all carry your message in various ways, but it is your message. I'd give more then I am willing to say just for one last hug,
I will be content etching the memory of the last day we hugged into my memory. It was as you were getting ready to leave for California. If I close my eyes and think hard enough I can feel your love as your arms reaching around me hugged me closely for the last time. Afterward you must have noticed my eyes glistening as my ego fought off tears and probably knew I was struggling for words so you asked "Are you okay Dad?" I muttered "yeah, I'm alright," while thinking 'Please don't go, I am afraid I won't see you alive again.' But I knew it was your choice and I told you how I felt but the choice was rightfully yours. I am just happy we had those moments before you left California. Love always Dad

My kids,Colleen and I still extend our most deepest sorrow to everyone for the loss of Michael Jr. We also will never forget his polite ways and never ending smile.

Michael,

Our hearts are with you.



Love,

From Doris, Eda, Sarah.

Last night (morning 2/15/06) I was dreaming of driving down a highway, seen what looked like a huge explosion, as the waves of distruction neared me I knew I was going to die. I began saying goodbye and I love you to my boys. I awoke in a room where there were three other beds, and immediately knew that each held one of my boys. I sensed Michael was there and silently creeped up to the bed to avoid waking him. There he lay, crunched up in covers resting as I had seemed him many times before. I quietly jumped for joy, saying please let it be him, oh God I promise I won't tell anyone I seen him, please let it be him. Michael slowly awoke, stretching and flexing his muscles as he always did. As he stood up I smiled and hugged him with intense love. He smiled back. I said are you you okay? He, still smiling, say yes Dad I am. I said where did you go? He said I left this world. I awoke at 4:49am this morning to find it was a dream, but a good dream. I guess I broke my promise and told the world. Michael, I love you and forever will, Dad

Dear Mike,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.

Love, Tracy

To live in the hearts

of those you leave

behind is never to die.



You will live forever in

the hearts of so many

who love you.

I lay awake wanting time to stop. I do not want Feb. 15th @ 7:30am to come. My stubborn mind creates vivid pictures of you in that room alone, and it rips my heart apart. I do not want 2/15/06 @ 11:30am to come because it was the time I got the call that crushes my zest for life. I want time to stop. I want to be certain that you knew I loved you with all my heart before you left and still do. I want to know you are okay. I want to know that you knew I was always proud to introduce you as my son. I want you to know that I brag about your gentleman like charactor, sense of humor and quick wit. If times keeps ticking I am afraid that I will forget some details about our experiences together. I want you here. I miss you everyday. Some people (in a loving way) tell me you are in a better place. I say your place is here with us. There is no better place right now. Its going to take time for me to grasp the permanacy of you leaving. Michael, I recently watched a movie that discribed in some ways how I feel, it went something like this: "Michael, I carry your heart, I carry your heart in my heart. I love you and will forever, I only wish it was me instead of you to go."

In no way am I angry with you, I am just selfish and hate the fact that you are not here. Love Forever Dad

Dear Mike and family,

Although I never got to meet Michael, I feel as though I know him. I know Michael's spirit lives on through you, Mike and all the memories you share with everyone about your son. I love hearing about your family camping stories and how Michael was such a gentle, caring young man. I wish I could have known him.

My heart and sympathy goes out to you and your family and hope you will continue sharing your loving memories with us.

All my Love, Tracy

Almost a year has passed… pieces of me are still missing. Your number is still in my phone… because there are still parts of me that hope that if I called you, you might answer. There are days when I can’t see your face anymore, or hear your voice…other days my memories are so vivid that it’s as if you are standing beside me… I want you to know… that I think of you everyday. Nothing about this year has been easy. Every morning I wake up and I think that maybe this void will some how be filled and when I realize that its not, you are the reason I keep going. The reason why I never give up, even though this emptiness keeps me from wanting to do anything. I do it to make you proud. You were my rock Michael, you were my support, my comfort, my lost and found… thank you for the love you gave me, for teaching me to love myself. I miss you… With love, Shannon Aileen

Dear family and friends of Michael Medrano,

I am sorry to hear of your great loss. My heart goes out to you. I knew Mike had passed away, but I did not come across this site until recently when my 23 year old brother Jeff passed away the day after Christmas. To my knowledge, Mike and my brother passed away under very similar circumstances. Mike actually passed away on my brother's birthday I believe. I went to school with Mike at Prairie View and Andrew. I remember him always smiling and laughing and being with friends. I know no words can ease your pain and suffering, but know that Michael is at peace now and will never be forgotten. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Our Thoughts are with all of Michael's family not only now at Christmas but all through the year,for we also share your pain the same way through the loss of our beautiful son Sheldon Michael. Merry Christmas and best wishes for everyone in the world for the New Year!

This is the first Christmas since Michael left this world and it deeply pains me to accept the permanency of his absense. Not a day goes by without me thinking about Michael and clicking on this site. Each day memories of Michael surface, sometimes familiar ones while other times memories that I had forgotten. All of them are accompanied by either laughter or tears. As Michael's cousin, Sarah says, Michael lives in our hearts. Merry Christmas to all.

For over forty years I looked forward to going to the northwoods of Wisconsin. Since Michael was a baby, he, then Mario and Nick all have grown to love our trips to the Camp Nawakwa. My most memorable and precious time of our getaway was the time we spent together fishing. It was that time I knew I would have my boys all to myself, without any disruptions. Just being together, sometimes quietly, other times with enough noise in the boat to scare the fish into a frenzy. Either way, it was time well spent that is carved into my heart forever. I cherished and continue to cherish time on the lake with the boys. Michael enjoyed fishing a little more then his younger brothers, but both Mario and Nick know how much I enjoy spending time with them fishing so they always take time out of their busy social schedule to join me in the search for the big one. Michael, each time I get in the boat I smile and or get teary eyed as I recall our personal precious time together. Michael, I was always proud of you and continue to be a proud father of my three wonderful boys. Love Dad

Michael,



Thank you for sharing your beautiful picture of Michael and Mario...Hon, God will continue to carry you through these painful times. Trust in him and he shall lessen the pain. Love him and he will see to it that one day you will be reunited with your son. Trust in the Lord and never lose the faith.

I (we) love and miss you everyday and night. Michael, life isn't the same without you. Because of you my son, I try to live life by embracing all of my feelings including joy, heartache, sorrow, grief and happiness. I will forever cherish the time we spent together. You continue to touch lives. Love Forever Dad.

Michael I did not know you but,I know that if I did I would have loved you.I've seen your pictures and I've heard nothing but beautiful things about you and I know as a fact that you are really really missed and that you are very much loved.



Rest in peace the struggle is over.

Dear Michael, and your wonderful family. Although I only knew young Mike for a few weeks, I felt a kinship to him. Every day I pray that you find the strength it takes to forget the pain, and remember the good times you shared. Until the day we are all reunited in God's loving arms.

22 years ago today, Michael, you entered our lives. You came into the world fighting, with your mom in labor somewhere around 36 hours. Maybe you didn't want to come out from that safe place. From day one, you were always playful, loving, and fun. You grew so fast, becoming a man before my eyes. You always loved unconditionally.



You where a gentleman until the day you passed. The lady who sat next to you on the train said how nice you were and how you helped her with her luggage. You liked your music and I liked mine, but when we were together we listened to each others. You always honored and respected family, never intentionally harming anyone.



Michael you are amazing, I will always be proud of you. Still I wonder, why you had to pass? You never hurt anyone, you weren't mean, or evil. I have always gotten nothing but compliments from my friends and associates on my polite and curtious son(s). You would stand so a lady could sit, you cared about peoples feelings.



Yes, I am still confused, and missing my wonderful son. I have been learning to live with the pain of you moving on. But sometimes knowing I will never hug you or have a thirty minute discussion (you remember the discussions you would say "should I make some popcorn for this one Dad?) about some off the wall subject leaves me feeling hollow. Knowing we will never pick apart a movie while leaving a theater or take turns rowing the boat across Little Sugarbush in search of a big Northern Pike hurts.



Michael, I love you with all my heart and wish and pray that you rest in peace, my pain is not caused by anything you did, it comes from my lack of willingness to let you go. Deep down, I want you to be you, watch over your brothers and cousins who love you. Smile upon me when I latch onto the Northern. Shine down upon us when we drive and see the rays piercing the clouds as we did the day we laid you to rest. You are in my/our hearts forever, I love you and do not blame you for my pain, sometimes I am just selfish and want you all for myself. I know if there is a heaven you are there blessing everyone with your sense of humor. Please keep the light on for me because I'll need you to show me the ropes when I get there. You are gone, but will never ever be forgotten, Love Dad

Dear Michael,



I believe it was 1987 that your birthday fell on Mother's Day. I think that was the year I came to believe that every Mother's Day was your Birthday and the day to call you and wish you a Happy Birthday. Your mother used to tease me and say that I was going to grow old, sitting in a rocking chair spending time with you and Mario. That was a long time ago but it was right on point. Those were the days that you and Mario felt like you were my own. I don't have a single memory of you that does not bring me joy, happiness and one hell of a good laugh. Happy Birthday Michael! I love you and am beginning to accept knowing you in this new, albeit unfair, light. Until we blow out candles together know that the day you were born will be a day that I will always celebrate and think of as my first Mother's Day...

Love, Auntie Joyce

Dear Mike:

The loss of our own children is very difficult to comprehend. But the great memories you have of him will help you to continue your life and treasure his memory. If you need a break, come and visit your Greek professor in Maryland.