Memories of Mike

It's hard to express such things as friendship, respect, love, and admiration with mere words. So at this time I find myself at a loss to try to accurately write about my friend and feel that I've done him justly. There are so many things that I will never forget. Our friendship began at work and quickly extended outside of the workplace as well. When you work 12 hour shifts and work in a small room with the same people every day it is very easy to become very close to them, even to the point of feeling like they are part of your family. This was without a doubt the case with Mike. We shared many common interests and before long we were working out in the gym together. I cannot forget the many, many road trips to Pontiac for a work project and the long talks we had, covering every subject imaginable on the way down. And trying to keep each other awake on the long drive back at 3 o'clock in the morning.

What I admired and respected so much about Mike was that if you were his friend he would do literally anything for you No matter how much of an inconvenience it was for him he did it willingly, even gladly, simply because that was what his friend needed. And he was without a doubt, very loyal and trustworthy and was always there for his friends when they needed him. I remember our small, tight knit group, watching movies all night long, playing Hearts, laughing, sharing, spilling our guts and telling each other every detail of our lives because we knew we were among friends and could do so and get support and even comfort from one another. And Mike leading us all by his actions and not just his words.

I will always remember the antics in "The Tavern". Our forum that only the likes of Mike (Apollo), Fann O'Reagan, The Traceman, and GKANKS, knew of and existed in. Where not only were Elvis sightings common but hanging out with him on a regular basis was the ordinary. Where legendary axeman Tom Scholz brought his tofu burgers, played amazing guitar riffs, and took ridicule on a daily basis from Fann. Where the band TNT, or was it Vagabond, was stoned outside the tavern on a daily basis. And how could we ever forget the legndary Irish Folk Singer Gregory O'Malley, who is as real to us as we are to each other.

I will remember the forum, read it often, and cherish the memory of the times that we had there. I could write a novel as thick as War and Peace with all the fond memories of Mike. The book would certainly be deserving of a best seller simply because of the contents of the person that it was written about.

I will always remember and will hold tightly and fondly to these memories of Mike. And although it is still unfathomable to accept the fact that he is gone, I cannot help but believe that it was his soul and his spirit that made up the best part of him. And these parts still remain, and these parts we will see again someday. So in that aspect I both grieve at his loss and rejoice in knowing that I'll see him again. So until that day comes, my friend.... so long. You will be missed. With much love and respect.

Tracy Stiles