We miss you, Michael

I was just sitting here today looking at a few pictures on this disk, trying to figure out how to add pictures to what Jenn started. I know I have more pictures on my laptop, but that hasn't been working for a couple months now. I'm not sure what I am going to have to do to retrieve everything from that computer, but one of these days it's going to be time for me to break down and get my own computer again.

Thinking of you today.

License Plates

There are a few people who have been texting me with license plates, and it's funny that I find myself looking at them even more than I did when Michael and I played this game.
Holly saw one the other day that Michael would have really appreciated: L84GOLF.
Got a good one from Heidi today: UCIMB4U :-)
I also saw one of those "DUH!" ones I talked about--it was on a beat-up, multi-colored (you know, where they've salvaged pieces from other cars), old Geo Storm: THDRSTM. Uh...yeah...
And I saw one the other day that I'm still puzzled about: BECAUSE. It was on a white Ford Taurus at the post office, and I *almost* asked the lady "Because why?" But I figured the answer would be one of two things: 1) "Because I can," and let's be serious...if that's your attitude, you should at least be driving something nicer than a Taurus. And 2) "Because I said so," which is nearly as brilliant as the former. In either case, I didn't figure I'd be able to conceal my embarrassment for the poor woman.

From Aunt Marsha

I am extremely saddened to report that our beloved Aunt Marsha lost her own battle with cancer this afternoon.

She had written a poem as a tribute to Michael, and faxed it to us from the University of Washington Medical Center, where she was undergoing treatment.

Unfortunately, the fax was not very clear, and all I could read was the last line. I had asked Heidi to email me a copy. My original intent was to wait to post it until I could post the whole thing, but I would like to post this, as much as a tribute to Marsha, as to Michael.

So, my Chemo-sabe:
"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Right back atcha, Auntie M. May you rest in peace. We love you!

From Karen and Lou Ross

In July of 2001, Michael and Tinalynne came to Seattle to visit us, and we did lots of touristy things. One of the places we went was the Mount Saint Helens National Park, to see the devastation from the volcano eruption.

At some point, Michael told us that he had picked up a lava rock to bring home as a souvenir. We were all horrified. We were in a National Park, and there were all these signs that said not to take anything or you could be arrested.

What I remember is that we harassed Michael for the next couple of hours that we were in the park, and that he eventually threw the rock away before we left the park.

But last night, Tinalynne told me that they still have the rock! It was in his pocket the whole time, and he didn’t want to get caught trying to throw it away, so he brought it home with him.

I didn’t want to share this story today because it might lead you to think that Michael was really this outlaw bandit. But last night Tinalynne told me that ever since then, for nine and a half years, no matter where they went on a nature hike or to some historical spot, she constantly harassed him. She’d say, “Don’t touch anything! Put down that rock!”

Memories from the Turners

Memories from the Turner Boys:
In remembering their favorite thing about Michael, the Turner boys—Ethan, Logan and Gus all agreed that they will always remember fondly Michael’s funny imitation of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. One summer while at the Turner’s house, Michael, who always was out playing around with the boys, grabbed one of them, threw him on his back and proceeded to jump around the yard hunched over, yelling “Yes, Master!” All the while the kids were laughing their heads off as they got bucked around on Michael’s back. This quickly grew into a favorite ritual every time the boys saw Michael. Despite comments from Jon and Erin about leaving Michael alone and lettime him rest, Michael always happily obliged the boys’ request: “Again, Michael, Again!!!” The Turner boys will sorely miss Michael, but will always remember him during their “special prayers” at night…which was a routine Michael was always so delighted to be a part of when visiting the Turners. We love you Michael!

Erin Turner’s Memories:
I never imagined that I would acquire best friends from a church bulletin ad! Six years ago, Michael and Tinalynne answered a church bulletin ad asking for couples to work with engaged couples. I was skeptical about anyone who would answer an ad. After meeting with them, I went home and told my husband, “Wow! I could see us becoming friends with them!” And that we did! I suspect the thing which bonded us so quickly was our shared respect and love of the Sacrament of Marriage. Michael and Tinalynne had a marriage built on trust, faith, love and admiration. They modeled those qualities not only for all the engaged couples of our parish, but for anyone in their midst. Watching Tinalynne care for Michael these last eleven months was an inspiration and was evidence of the selfless love they shared together. The other aspect which bonded us together as friends was Michael’s silliness and fun-loving personality. When he and Jon were together, Tinalynne and I just sat back and rolled our eyes, never knowing what mischief those two were gonna get into. Yet, despite all his jokes, Michael was always serious about caring for people. He was the “forever gentleman”…always holding doors for the ladies, offering to help in any way, ALWAYS clearing tables and doing dishes, and he always had a kind word about everyone. The thing I will miss most about Michael will be his contagious smile and his generous hugs. Thank you, Michael, for coming into our lives and being a part of our family!

Jon Turner’s Memories
I’m not sure I can pick just one favorite memory of Michael. He was one of those true friends that only comes along once in a lifetime. He was always there whenever I needed help…whether it was moving a thousand pounds of chicken feed, moving cars around the car lots, or just needing a friend. His strong faith and commitment to the Catholic Church was always an inspiration to me. It was because of Michael that I finally joined the Knights of Columbus. But honestly, his laughter and humor are what I’ll miss the most. He and I teased each other endlessly with goofy nicknames and jokes. Michael and I shared the same vision about life…”live it to its fullest, and love every minute of it!” I think Michael did that and did it very well. On a lighter note, one of the more recent memories I have comes from this last summer. We all had gone up to Sharkey’s cabin and since Michael had never driven a boat, Rod and I thought it would be a fun thing for him to do. So, Rod and I got in the inner tubes behind the boat and had Michael drive the boat pulling us. Michael was having a blast whipping us around the lake. Despite the exhaustion and other effects of chemo, Michael was livin’ it up behind the wheel! Finally, we were ready to stop, but Rod and I looked at each other and realized we didn’t tell Michael how to stop the boat! So there’s Michael with all our kids in the boat, and he doesn’t know how to stop it! Finally, our son Ethan showed him how to stop. It was a funny moment, and just two weeks ago I was retelling it while sitting at Michael’s bedside, and with his eyes closed, he gave a big ol’ smile at remembering it! Michael was one of my best friends and I will miss him, but his zest for life, his generosity, and his compassion are all gifts which he gave to me as a friend and for Michael, I will make sure those gifts continue to live on.

Sharkey Family Memories

Michael was fun loving and full of life. One of my fondest memories of Michael occurred in the back yard at the Turner house, a place that was a frequent gathering spot for the Sharkey, Haugen and Turner families. As you all know, Both Michael and Tinalynne love kids. Tinalynne however, was only blessed with one child: Michael. Michael was the biggest kid in the bunch. On this particular evening, all of our kids were running around the back yard chasing after Michael. When they would catch him, they would jump on his back one by one. Michael would then thrash about like a wild bronco giving the kids rides. One child after another after another rode to their heart’s content. This went on literally for hours. In the end it was the kids who wore out first, leaving the wild bronco untamed and unbroken.

That untamed and unbroken spirit continued to live in Michael as he battled cancer. Nikki’s favorite memory of Michael came just this last summer. Once again it was an outing with the Turners, Haugens, and the Sharkeys. This outing took place at our cabins on Flathead Lake. Although Michael was starting to slow down and was fatigued from the constant onslaught of chemotherapy, he was always up for a little fun and never wanted to miss out on anything, especially if the kids were involved. This particular afternoon, we decided to load the whole gang up for a picnic lunch on Wild Horse Island. We all spent the afternoon eating on shore while Michael searched for treasures with the Turner boys and spent time teaching Nicole how to skip rocks. Michael always seemed to take the time to show the kids how much he cared about them. Michael always seemed to take the time for everyone; we will miss him very much.

Rod, Lisa, Nikki and A.J.

Tina's Memories

My memories of Michael include his sense of humor, his love for others, his faith in God, his integrity and values.

Michael had a great sense of humor. He and I had a constant joke about him being my favorite son-in-law and me being his favorite mother-in-law.

I knew how much he loved Tinalynne by the love that shone in his eyes when he looked at her or when he talked of her.

He always poked fun at me when he came over for the way I set the table. For example, I tried to be etiquette proper by placing the forks, spoons, and knives in a certain way. But when I wasn’t looking, he would go change the silverware to opposite the way I had them.

There are many stories like these that show how great he was. I always knew I could trust him. I will miss you, Michael. Rest in peace with God.

From your favorite mother-in-law,
Tina