Mike was always like a big brother to me. Even long after the relationship didn't work out with my sister he would stay in touch and check up on me. In one of our messages he said we'll always be family and to reach out if I ever needed someone to talk to. Outside of his substance abuse issues and the symptoms of it, he had a big heart. He shared a birthday and a sense of humor filled with inappropriate jokes with my dad. He was always so proud of his beautiful daughters, always bragging about them and sending pictures. I'm glad that he maintained that connection so that I could still have a relationship with my niece. 

I take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering. I'm also hopeful that he met Jesus at Heaven's gate, as I know he loved the Lord. 

Life is so short and I'm learning that each moment we get, we have to be fully present and giving people their flowers while they're still here.