I first met Mike at a meeting in my first year of sobriety. We chatted a bit and then I asked him what he was going to do that night. He said he was going to go home and read - or “just lay in bed and think”. I was flabbergasted because as a newly sober person, peace of mind was completely foreign concept to me!! I was in awe of Mike’s calm peaceful demeanor  

Six months into sobriety I was sentenced to 45 days in jail as a result of my last DUI. I panicked!!  I had no idea what I was going to do about my house, my child, and my dog Hank while I was gone. When I requested help, Mike was one of the first people to step up and offer his assistance. He took care of Hank and watched over my house while I was gone. 

After returning home I found I had lost my job and was in dire financial straits. On a whim, I asked if anyone would be interested in renting a room in my house.  Yes - Mike was!!  So started a long-term friendship that was precious to me until the day he died. He was my housemate for about three years, my young son’s  good buddy who took him fishing and swimming, and Hank’s best friend. When Mike moved out, Hank went with him. 💕

You probably know the rest of the story. Unfortunately, Mike started to drink again after a very emotionally distressing event. He called me that day and I went over to see if I could talk him into stopping but he was already in the gripes of that horrible disease. One of the saddest days was when he brought Hank back because he could no longer take good care of him. It broke my heart. 

I loved and respected Mike, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop grieving the loss of that beautiful precious friend. More than anything, I wish he could have overcome the physical, emotional and spiritual sickness that comes from the disease of alcoholism. 

I hope I get to see you again one day, Mike. Hank is now 16 years old and I’m certain that when he passes he’ll be looking for his best friend. 

Love. I’m so grateful I am loved. Because in the end you know, it’s all that truly matters.

I went to a memorial service today for a dear friend that died way too early from the disease of alcoholism and addiction. There was grief. There were tears and sorrow. But pulling away the layers of pain and disappointments that come as a package deal with addiction revealed a golden core of a love that transcended all else. So much compassion. Such generosity of spirit was alive in that room.

Mike. Wherever you are. I hope you felt all that love and that it set you free. We would have liked to have had you with us for a little longer. But perhaps someday we will recognize each other again ……. because love endures forever.