I'm thinking about Michael a lot today. He always made me smile and laugh. When I had a bad day, I always knew that Michael was a safe person to talk to and be around. His presence was always comforting and uplifting. I think about him a lot. 

Friends

Me visiting Mike at PlayStation HQ while I was in town for my manager's summit. I thought was so awesome that we were both from NC and worked for PS. I really loved watching Mike grow and I will miss you so much friend!

A rainy- cold January 18th, I believe it was 2011- Brooke and my sophomore year. Mike and I were watching the Rick Ashley never going to give you up video while I loitered in GameStop. A man in a bucket hat and a hoodie enters the store, walks along the back game wall and approaches Brooke, asks for an Xbox “no not that one” when she turns around, he has a gun pointed at her and tells her to open the register. He then cocks the gun- a noise that makes me sweat to this day. I promptly put my hands in the air and am quickly accosted by the robber for doing so “sorry this is my first time” I reply. Mike “woah woah woah” and proceeds to quickly help Brooke open the half-broken register while calmly deescalating the frantic robber. “Now lay on the ground behind the counter and count to 100”. I shuffle pass the man with the gun to join a trying-to-stay-calm Mike and an unfazed Brooke  behind the counter where I pressed my face into the carpet and kept it there until police arrived. Brooke, lay on her side with one hand on her hip, obviously inconvenienced. Mike, counting loudly and waiting until the man leaves to call the police and then making sure I haven’t perished of a panic attack. We spent the next few hours waiting in an Ulta beauty, being quizzed on our experience by stylists, then by the police when they finally arrived. I will always appreciate Mike (Big M as we lovingly called him) and remember him fondly for many things, but especially for remaining calm and helping in the time we all needed him. I will also forever appreciate the fact we Rick Rolled the bastard that robbed us at gunpoint.  Much love to all who loved Big M and to Mike himself.

You are dearly missed my friend, thank you

Chris Evans Laugh

Proud of my son-in-law graduating from UNC Chapel Hill

Courtesy Mary Lynn Stone

Engagement portrait