Michael Glen Sowards was born on December 1st, 1962 to Glen and Jo Sowards. He was the first child of very young parents. Such a shock to learn that Michael had suffered loss of oxygen during childbirth and was severely mentally disabled. I am 11 months younger than Michael and as far back as I can remember, I was his voice. Growing up with Michael wasn't always easy. He had habits that would drive you crazy, but would change throughout the years. My mom has spent the last 55 years caring for, protecting and doing the very best she could for Michael. This wasn't a job that came with honor, awards or recognition. She didn't do it perfectly, but it was never a question in her mind that Michael would be anywhere but with her. In later years, they moved to Goldendale and it was hard to get over and help. We all had our lives moving forward, changing and just life happening. Mom had her life, Michael. She went through so much frustration, work and challenges, but no matter what, Michael was with her. How she did this, I don't know.

I won't forget finding my Heart and Billy Joel albums crushed. No idea why but it was a Michael thing that you just couldn't figure out. Michael loved music and Tom and I would dance to the 8 tracks of oldies and Michael would jump up and down and stomp his feet. The look on his face was something I won't forget. We all rode motorcycles and Michael was everyone's biggest fan. Tom and I would give him rides, but Tom can tell you, this sometimes didn't go as well as planned. Michael would be outside for hours trying to start his bicycle and would throw it down in frustration and just give up and "Outa' gas!" When he did get it 'started' he would ride around making his own engine noises.

We had a lot of critters growing up. I remember being afraid of this giant goose and Michael would love to chase the geese and chickens with his hop and skip combination run. He had no fear of the animals and they seemed to follow his lead. Maybe there was some form of communication we didn’t understand?
I was particularly bossy with Michael and would get frustrated trying to teach him things. Hence his favorite line "Dan you Cholly". (Translation: Damn you Kelli) But I knew somewhere in there, it was sibling rivalry. When I would take Michael in my car later in our teens, his first words were "Gonna get a milkshake?"… He could pronounce this one perfectly. When I left for college, Mom said his new phrase that was repetitive was “Where’d Cholly go?” Most of his phrases were repeated often and there were so many.

There would be random words that he would say, maybe only one time. A word that I only heard once and that was "So pretty". He met Denise Duncan, who was beautiful inside and out. Denise treated Michael with such kindness and this will never be forgotten. He had the biggest smile when she came over to the house. Thank you Denise.

One of my favorite memories (sorry Tom) Michael would pound on the wall to Tom's room, which was next to Michael's, Tom would yell "Knock it off Mike". This went on for hours into the night and I would be laughing :) Sorry Tom. Poor Tom, didn't get a lot of sleep.

My kids, Cazzeri, Cammi and Chance has grown up with Michael as a big part of their childhood. They too would boss him around, protect him and he taught them acceptance and understanding of those that might be different. I know the frustration started at a young age for them as Michael had an extreme talent for taking your drinks without being noticed. He also like to clean up and toys would go in very random places. The kids have their own memories, which I can't speak to, but I know they were just as protective of Michael as I was. They hated it when people would stare when we went places because Michael couldn't contain his enthusiasm and would jump up and down everywhere we went. They were never embarrassed, just mad that people could be so rude. I would fight back a lot when we were younger, whether it was kids at school or just strangers, I could be very vocal. I admired the fact that Michael didn't care, he was who he was and any issues weren't his problem. I have worried about Michael my entire life. I always felt guilty that I didn't do enough for him. I have looked into Michael's eyes so many times and begged him to tell me what he was thinking. It would be a mystery and would give anything to know his thoughts. My hope is that as Michael passed he would be free of this and able to share his heart freely. I love you Michael and grateful for all of the lessons you have shared with me and my family.

Please do something kind for someone that, due to no circumstances of their own, are less fortunate than you. Make them smile and know that they are valuable. Not for your own recognition, but for Michael and how he made a difference in so many lives, please pass along Michael's wonderful smile.

Michael passed away on July 15th, 2108 with his brother Tom, his mom and myself by his side.
I created https://everloved.com/life-of… for everyone to share their Michael stories and pictures. Mine isn’t a literary work of art, just my thoughts as we grieve our loss.