I met Mike because he was my friend's, Chad, dad. I became friends with Chad when we were in 6th Grade. We introduced Mike to my mom and they instantly became good friends. Our families became very close. Mike became a 2nd father to me, my mom became a 2nd mother to Chad, and Chad and Susan (Chad's little sister) became like siblings to me.
Mike was always there! He was there for everyone and allot of people called him 'Pops' because he was like a dad to everyone! He had a heart of gold and even when he was crabby, you knew that he was really just a big teddy bear! He called me his 'adopted daughter' and in his eyes, I could do no wrong! If I wasn't getting along with my mom, I'd go to Mike's and he'd make me feel better! He always told me that he was proud of me and called me his 'sweetheart'.
Mike died of a heart attack on November 9th, 1994. The ironic part of it is that he always said he wouldn't live past 50 and he wouldn't get to see any of his grandchildren. He was right. He died 2 1/2 months after his 50th birthday. Melea Jo was born on August 23rd, 1995 to Chad and Marcy. Kelly Ann was born in July 1998 to Susan and Scott. If I would have known how right he was, I would have told him how much he meant to me, but I think he already knew.
Mike's greatest attribute was that he was a wonderful, devoted father. His kids always came first, whether they were his own or his 'adopted'.
I was 19 when Mike passed away but his memory is very vivid to me. I dream about him often and I can picture his no-teeth smile, his laugh, his voice, and even his grumpy facial expressions.
God I miss you! |
