Some Good Memories

Today is Mikey's Birthday and I just wanted to take this opportunity to remember some really
great memories. Some of the family is eating Famous Dave's tonight in memory of him. Kelly says's "Daddy's cookin' tonight". In Mexico they have a holiday called Dia De Los Muertos, Day of the Dead. It is a day in which the Mexican people celebrate those who have left our world and moved on to better things. The tradition is is that they build alters with pictures and flowers and fill a table full of things that the person used to love. I often think about this tradition when I think of Mikey and what I would like to put on his alter. First, I would put a picture of his family. One of him with each person that was special to him. Then I would put a picture of our whole family, that is if we have one with allllll of us in it. Pictures of the hockey group the gp'ers the cabin group, long time friends and new. I would put picture of him and Lovey in all of the beautiful homes they've built and pictures from all of the places they have been. This is going to have to be a very large table. I would place two neon colored GP hats, an orange one for my mom and a green one for him to signify all that they worked together to build. What a team. I'd place flowers. He always gave my mom flowers.
On the altar would be a black fine tooth comb and that gel from Divot Dicks. His hair was always so perfect. Keys to the boat. Keys to the golf cart. Dirty golf balls to clean. His skates, a hockey puck and reservations for everyone who knew him to a suite for the Wild Game. Water ski's. A sample of his writing just because his penmanship was so beautiful and anything with his signature on it was golden. A book of memories from all of his friends. Stories from all of his years. A feast fit for a king, our king. Famous Dave's of course, Gramma's chocolate cake, Blueberries, Prosecco and Grappa. I'd make salsa just to hear him say once again, "oh honey, thanks so much, but ya know I really don't like spicy". (yah I know but there's only tomatoes, mangos and garlic...it just looked spicy)
And somethings you just cannot recreate but remain etched in your memory. His laugh. A victory lap around the tennis court. The way he called out to his "Pooper!!!!" and the way she'd call back "Papa!!!" How when he spoke everyone wanted to listen. And how when you spoke he always gave you his attention. His light spirit and one of a kind humor. The way he made everyone feel comfortable and important. That he would make fun of me when I put my lipstick on at the table by exaggeratedly licking his lips. His attention to detail and high expectations for us all. He knew we could all be somebody.





I don't know if they build table a large enough to place all of my memories. But I bet where he is now he is surrounded by all the memories, prayers, and is able to do all of those things he so loved to do.

Happy Birthday Mikey! We love you.

I might just keep adding memories. If there is any memories you'd like to add to the table or foods to add to his feast feel free to leave them in the comments. We'd love to hear more.




Here is a quote I got from Renee - "when you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for which has been your delight."- Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet..