As I read back over this, I realize that one little tribute is hardly enough to sum up Mike and how I feel about him. However, when I wrote this, just before the Memorial Celebration, it brought smiles and happy thoughts of him. I hope you enjoy it.
Read by Rhonda, May 3, 2009, at the Mike Watson Memorial Celebration.
As most who know me and my husband can certainly attest to this, I do not like to dress up. I like to be comfortable. Given my chosen profession of a Paramedic and nurse, I have worn a uniform for years. When I am off work, I like to be comfortable. Heels were created by the devil as far as I am concerned. My husband actually thinks I am crazy if I wear heels or dress up excessively in lieu of comfort. In fact the older I have gotten, the less I have cared about dressing up, make up or the perfect hairstyle. I was never too keen on men who preferred the dress up type of girl. But today is a little different.
Over the years, I would once in a while wear a cute outfit, do my hair really well or put on a little make up to look, well, pretty. Most of the time I was so ready to go home, change and take a shower. There were few exceptions. In my brother’s presence was one of them. He would actually tell me I looked cute or pretty or I should dress up more often. Maybe it was because Mike was a flirt and family was no exception.
Dad’s parents used to give us money for Christmas. One year when I was about 8, I found a beautiful rabbit fur coat I so desperately wanted. It was expensive and more than a little girl who is going to quickly outgrow should have for Christmas. My brother knew how badly I wanted it so he gave his Christmas money to mom and dad to use with mine so I could have that fur coat. He liked his little sister to look pretty. And he thought she was.
Few people have ever made me feel pretty. Not because they have not tried. It just has not been a big focus in my life. So as I stand here today in my pretty, albeit, loud dress, I am feeling and looking pretty for Mike. He liked me that way. It was special to him. If you see me dressed up or wearing my “Mike mascara,” it will be in some way in honor to Mike. And as a girl if you have ever been hugged, kissed, or loved by my brother, you are pretty. He loved all girls. I am so lucky and blessed that he flirted with me first
As I reflect on all that you have written in the past months, it moves me as much now as it did then. Not a day goes by that I don't think of Mike, and everyday that Tristan prays for him, and puts a cross in my pocket to keep Mike in my heart. I still love all the special memories that we have. And yes he could always make you feel good about yourself. I will always love and miss him.
ReplyDeleteLove you!! Renee