By Julie Loomis
Life is hard at the shelter, and one thing that makes it tolerable is good friends. Mike was one of the few guys I got close to. His silvery hair, twinkling eyes and sweet grin just pulled you in. Mike was shy at first, yet once he felt comfortable around me, he had a lot to say. I miss him every day. I have kept his last voicemail just to hear his voice.
The first time I saw Mike, he was shuffling along with his walker. He reminded me of Albert Einstein. He hated that, and I am glad I never said anything.
Mike joined the YMCA, and eventually, he didn’t need the walker and was bicycling around. He was always a great example of getting back on your feet.
We really started to get to know each other when I was growing a few plants. Mike offered to help me out. I get flared up with my fibromyalgia, so he would water them when I was unable.
He let me know that during a several-day hospital stay, he would water my plants. We would sit outside and talk about anything and everything. My friend Branda also became close to Mike. He loved blue bunny ice cream.
Mike finally got his apartment, but I was in the hospital and forgot to give him my phone number. It was a rough winter, and I finally ran into him near his apartment. He was so excited about his new place and invited me and Branda to come visit.
We all had health issues, and we finally got together and hung out. I said I would help decorate it. I still have the pictures we were going to look at. His good friend Jonathan helped him with grocery shopping and set his TV up. Mike kept his friend circle small, and I was grateful to be a part of it.
I never got to make it back over, and it broke my heart when I heard he had a massive heart attack. He was in a coma and on life support. Jonathan kept me informed when they found several strokes and took him off life support. I couldn’t bring myself to see him like that. So I will remember the sweet guy as he was riding his bike. These are my memories of Mike.
I didn’t know everyone he left behind, but many friends from the Interfaith Sanctuary, including Jonathan, Branda, and I. He had a great relationship with his brother and sister-in-law, as well as their children. I hope you have plenty of bike trails and rivers to kayak. You’re in a better place, and we all miss you so very much.