I mentioned a while ago that I wanted to create a memorial page from me to Mikey. It was not easy to sit here and make pages for him after he died, because the hurt was so new. He's been on my mind alot lately, so I wanted to finally make this page for him.
Thanksgiving is almost here,
and I've been thinking about all of the things I have to be thankful for.
One of the top things on my list is my friendship with Mikey.
I truly can't imagine what my life would be like right now if he hadn't been a part of it, even if it was for a short time. I knew Mikey for a little over a year, and in that time, we shared our hopes, dreams, fears, and secrets. He was someone I could tell anything to, without worrying about the consequences, because I knew our friendship was totally unconditional. He came to me with many of his hopes and fears also, and together, we tried to work things out in our separate lives. It helped each of us to have a 'sounding board' to tell our troubles to. He made me laugh, cry, and simply put, he made me appreciate life, and everything in it.
He told me a while ago that he'd never be far away, and he'd stand behind me sometimes while I chatted, just to see what I was talking about. I have a feeling he's reading this now, as I type it, and I want to tell him a few things.
"Mikey, hun, you were an inspiration to me. Even though you were scared at times, you never gave up on life, and you never lost your spirit. You taught me that there are bigger and better things waiting for us when we're done here. You taught me how to love, and how to trust, and how to go after the things that I wanted in life. You taught me that there were people in this world that would love me just for me, and that I don't have to try to please everyone. You wanted me to believe that friends like you can come along more than once in a lifetime. (I'm still working on that one.) :)
You also inspired me to consider my own health, as you fought to maintain yours. We had plans of meeting 'someday' and for that, I wanted to lose 'just a little bit' of weight for the trip, even though you told me I was beautiful the way I was, and you loved me regardless. I insisted, though, and lost 30 lbs. in six months, and subsequently, lowered my risk of the disease you know I dread getting most, diabetes. I watched it take my Mom, and I always fear it will happen to me. My doctor is very proud of my success. Every pound lost decreases my chance of becoming diabetic. I have only you to thank for that. Even though we never got our chance to meet in person, from miles away you affected my life so profoundly, in your own special way, not only when you were here, but still now, that you're gone.
When I look back at our friendship now, I can only smile. The tears still come pretty often, but I smile through them, because I know you'd want it that way. I have only good memories of you, I just wish you weren't taken away so soon. You were such an amazing person, and every day with you was a gift that I'll treasure always. I thank God for allowing our paths to cross in this lifetime, and I know we will meet again. When that day comes, you'd better brace yourself for the biggest hug ever.
This Thanksgiving, I will truly give thanks for the time I had with you, my dearest friend, and for the wonderful memories I will have forever."
I found a poem that reminded me of Mikey, and I wanted to share it with all of you.
I'm Free
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God has laid, you see.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
to laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don't lengthen it now with undue greif.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee.
God wanted me now; He set me free!
I wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I hope you all take a few minutes to stop and think about the things you should truly be thankful for. Each of us has a light in our hearts that shines brighter than any other....look into that light, and you will see your friends, your family, your children.
Take a moment to thank them, just for being a part of your life.
Love to all of you, Kerry
|
|