It has been a while since I last wrote a blog as during this different time in the world my thoughts just continue to swirl and I’m not sure exactly how I want my words to come out. I sometimes don’t know how to put my words together but here we go. Recently my journey took me to a beautiful small town called Roseau, Minnesota where I had to not only say good-bye to my mentor but to my friend.

Dear Mike,
I am not even sure where to start this letter as I am still in disbelief that all of this is even real. I hope you know how much we all cared, I cared. I continue to look at the last text I sent, and I wonder if I should have continued to text you until I got a response. I knew there was something wrong as your distance spoke volumes the past year, but I was hoping it was just you trying to figure out this different world we are living in. I was crossing my fingers that you would come back, and everything would be
back to where it once began when I met you six years ago, but how could it?! This past week has been a nightmare I do not want to wake up from. I contacted your neighbor, my friend to let her know you were no longer with us and all I could think about was the times you both joked around at my desk. I can still hear you saying, “How’s it going neighbor?” As I sit here and look at all the photographs and memories sent from all your work family and others in the community it is so apparent you were an
amazing human being. Jason and I spent some time figuring out what would be best for him to wear to the funeral last night and we landed on a plaid shirt and some Miami Heat socks to honor your fun taste
in clothes. We took off bright and early so we could make sure to find the town of Roseau as I had never been.

Looking out as we drive, I see the beautiful changing colored leaves and the scenery of countryside. I don’t want the drive to end as I know what the outcome will be. Did I not do enough? Could have I done more? These are the questions that still linger, that still hurt to even say. We are pulling in to the town of Roseau and Jason and I joked about the “Sven and Ole’s” Ultimate Car Wash as you enter as I am sure I would have joked around with you when we got back to the office.

I feel cheated I didn’t get that last chance to talk about concerts, sports or even just life in general. What about one last walk down the halls with your Yo-Yo or maybe we can all get together for one last chili/appetizer feed.

Pulling into the parking lot, the cars are starting to roll in and it is to celebrate your life. I am nervous to walk in as I know there are so many more that have known you longer and from day one. I see Lisa and I see some other familiar faces. Looking through your photographs and so many great ones including the one you had with Wayne Gretzky, that is awesome, but it doesn’t surprise me there are two greats. I met your beautiful mom and I can tell from your family where you got your strength from. I was able to tell her how much you meant to all of us and she was so gracious even though she just lost her son.

When I was diagnosed with Cancer, I remember the conversation of you telling me to just take care of me and that the work will be there when I get back. Then when I returned you sent me a message of how proud you were of me that I was able to get through surgery and treatment. That is something I will never forget. You were always taking care of us, always making us feel better.

I see you in the corner of my eye Mike and there are no glasses or smile but I can tell you are at peace. There are so many people celebrating you and all that you have done for others including your beautiful wife Kaela. I wish our whole team could be here and I know they want that too and I know you can feel their love. Your father-in-law had so many wonderful words that I can’t stop crying as all of it was so true. After the service the cars are on their way to the cemetery and it was amazing to see how many there were, and we can’t stay but I know you are in good hands with your family and friends. The drive on the way home now just feels empty somehow like maybe the sun isn’t as bright and the leaves aren’t as colorful.

When we arrived home and we decided the only way to end the night was with a shot of Apple Pie as we still remember when you told us we should bottle it and sell it. We only shared it with good friends and family and Mike you were included. What now? How do we live in a world without Mike? You were always in my corner and always cheering me on and I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me when it comes to work and life. Thank you, Mike, for introducing us to some great and not so great song choices. Thank you, Mike, for always bringing joy and light wherever you went. Thank you, Mike, for being my Mentor. Thank you, Mike, for being YOU. But most of all, Mike, Thank You for being a friend through and through. Enjoy an Apple Pie shot in heaven with Kaela and we will see you again Mike.

Mike always had a love for music and would share it with our work family. I can’t say I always was a huge fan, but I enjoyed learning about a new song or group. Music is music and I think it brings people together. I hope you enjoy the ones below.

Be of Good Heart – Josh Ritter (Click Here) – Thanks for sharing Pete!
I never had a crystal ball
I never had a crystal stone
I never claimed to know it all
All I know is what I’ve known
But I know that what we’ve had
I have never had before
And if you really gotta go
Be of good heart evermore

Not Mad Enough – Smith and Meyers (Click Here)
Stop tellin’ me I gotta calm down
You’re not mad enough
You’re not mad enough
How many heads are gonna have to hit the ground?
Before you wake up
Before you wake up

Until Next Time…………………………………