Michael was my sidekick growing up. When there are several siblings, I suppose we pair off somehow, maybe due to closeness in age. In times of significance, we were together and he was my responsiblity somewhat.  Though we didn't express much emotion with hugs and "I love you's" in our early years, we certainly did as we grew up into adulthood. I was with Michael in his last week of life sharing stories of those days growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Our memories evoked smiles, heartaches, disappoints and laughs. I will treasure every memory and of every moment of those last days where they were lots of "I love you's" and hugs. The courage Michael had in letting go of this life was unbelievable. I hope in my end, I can muster up the strength he carried in making the decision to let go of life. Though my beliefs assure me that Michael has merely transitioned into another existence, I will miss him being on this earth every single day until my time comes, when I will see him once again.