Valentine Baby

It used to make me mad that Mike was born on Valentine's Day. I mean, he was my big brother but not a sweetheart! I think you know I say that in jest. Mike WAS a sweetheart. And it was no mistake that he was born on a day designated for love.

Love your neighbor as yourself. That's what he was all about. No mistakes. No coincidences. No happenstance. Mike's life was well-planned, meant to begin on that day. He lived and loved to the fullest. He went home on Good Friday. He made his entrance into eternity on another day of love. No mistakes. No coincidences. No happenstance. Mike's life was well-planned.

Slowly, painfully, there is peace in his death, because his death resulted in eternal life. If you struggle with your beliefs (as we ALL do) and wonder if there really is a God, would you dare reduce Mike's life to happenstance, coincidence? Re-read above. No mistakes. If only our lives could be so poetic.

Thank you for Mike. I miss him terribly. And I can hardly wait to party with him!

Randy (one of Mike's nicknames for me)

"I pray that each one of you will embrace the love and joy that was Michael: Be accepting of others as well as yourself. Live life to the fullest, no matter your circumstances. Reach out to others, especially if they don't "deserve" it. Laugh loudly, and often. Look for the silver lining, it's always there. Be yourself, that is a gift to those around you. Enjoy the beauty of everyday things. Be someone's island. Hug people, they really want you to. Forgive each other. Love each other. Have faith in God." Laura Poindexter Watson.