Jan Severtson Stewart wrote: Susan, no words can express what I'm feeling for you and your family. I love you so much, dear friend. March 8 at 1:57pm

Stephanie West wrote: So sorry, Susan - sending lots of love and warm wishes your guys' way! March 8 at 2:12pm

From: Susie Thompson Paramore wrote: No pain is greater. Prayers to you and your family. March 8 at 2:14pm

Rebecca Young Belt wrote: I am so sorry, Susan. My heart aches for you. My prayers and thoughts are with you & your family. March 8 at 2:18pm

Connie Gould Barnes wrote: Oh Susan I am so sorry, I have felt many different kinds of loss but that is not something I have had to endure. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. March 8 at 2:52pm

Dana Brooks Smith wrote: God be with you and your family. March 8 at 3:09pm

Alison Yandle wrote: Susan, please know that you, Don and Meagan are in my prayers. I wish I could tell you in person how much I love you and how much my heart aches for you. We may have grown up miles a part but you are my sweet cousin that I will always cherish. Michael was blessed to have you for a mother. March 8 at 3:23pm

Linda Pugh Watkins wrote: Susan, I am praying that God will wrap his loving arms around you and your family at this time. March 8 at 3:23pm

Dawn Wagner wrote: Sending our prayers your way for your loss of Michael. There are no words .... Love to you all Susan Hall Musselman & Meagan Jones March 8 at 3:27pm ·

Cathy Frey wrote: Heartfelt condolences. March 8 at 3:54pm

Trudy Lynne wrote: Sympathetic thoughts and prayers to comfort you. March 8 at 4:14pm

Patsy Meiser wrote: My most loving sympathies to you and Don, Susan! March 8 at 4:26pm

Rhonda Payton wrote: Ohmigosh Susan, so sad to hear this! Love and big hugs to you, Don and your family March 8 at 4:41pm

Tiffany Coburn wrote: So very sorry Susan. You are loved. March 8 at 4:41pm

Gina Baker wrote: Love and prayers March 8 at 4:54pm

Richard Heid wrote: Susan, I am truly sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family March 8 at 5:18pm

Lanny Rice wrote: Susan, you and your family will be in my thought and prayers. I'm so sorry. Like you said, lean on God, family and friends to help. All will be there. March 8 at 5:35pm

Jan Sobolewski wrote: Prayers and hugs for you and your family. March 8 at 6:21pm

Susan Goddard wrote: So sorry for your loss. Prayers March 8 at 7:01pm

John V. W. Buie wrote: Susan, will be thinking of you very much! Godspeed! March 8 at 8:58pm

Emily OBrien March 8 at 10:59pm

Janelle Young wrote: For you and your family. So sorry for your loss. March 8 at 11:08pm

Susan Prebis Courtice wrote: Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. March 8 at 11:24pm

Marie Womack Straitz wrote: Susan, prayers for you and your family. March 8 at 11:46pm

Lois De Rosa wrote: Praying for you-lifting you all-sending sympathy and hopeful thoughts! March 8 at 11:59pm

Dean Morris wrote: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. March 9 at 8:42am

Suzy Mann West wrote: Sending prayers to you - I am so very sorry for your loss Susan. March 9 at 9:08am

Audrey Muller Boyd wrote: I will add you to my prayer list through the coming most difficult days. May God be with you and keep you and your family. March 9 at 9:34am

Susan Auble wrote: Words can never do justice to the emotions I know you're feeling; so very sorry for such a great loss, Susan and Don. March 9 at 2:38pm

Sue Nicharot wrote: So sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. March 9 at 10:12pm

Randy Schwartz wrote: Susan, So sorry for the loss of your son Michael! My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family! March 10 at 6:03pm

Steve Tumbleson wrote: So very sorry, will say prayers for your family ! March 13 at 7:13pm

Nancy Jacobson wrote: Saddest thing any parent can go through . . . blessings to you and your family at this horribly difficult time. Peace. March 19 at 5:45pm

A few years ago, I had permanent make-up applied on my eyebrows, eyelids and lips (which is applied the same way tattoos are applied).  One night shortly after that, Don and Michael were meeting me for dinner.  They got to the restaurant before I did.  Michael told the hostess, "watch for the lady with all the tattoos!" 

Goodbye Michael,

We are writing this as the only way we know how to say a final goodbye.  Our hearts are so heavy.  We hope you know how much we always loved you and that we always will.  We already miss you so much. 

We had such hopes and dreams for you.  You had so much going for you—you were smart, good looking, personable, and had a family who loved you so much.  We pray that no one sitting here today will experience the horrors, the insanity, the crushing reality of Michael’s disease of addiction that consumed both his life and those who loved him.  For over 10 years, Michael has been on a journey of despair and desperation, repeated hope and repeated failure, that we will never understand.  We’ve lost track of how many times Michael summoned the courage for recovery, only to relapse.  We trust God’s will and plan for Michael’s life journey and mission.  We believe there is a higher purpose for this tragedy.

From an early age, it was apparent that Michael needed to always be in a place with additional stimulation. During his elementary school years, he developed a pattern of making perfect grades the first grading period and then ignoring classwork and charming the teacher enough during the remainder of the school year to advance to the next grade.  Michael became his own worst enemy.  Each year, we met with his teachers to map out a plan to help Michael in his school progression.  The feedback from the teachers was always the same--Michael had the ability to accomplish anything he chose in life, and all he needed was a desire to achieve. 

Michael's first exposure to sports was playing second base.  His major accomplishment during his first T-ball game was to buddy up with the short stop and see who could throw rocks farther from the infield.  He was quickly given a new position by the coach in deep centerfield.  For several years, we attended Marlin baseball and Florida Panther hockey games.  One of Michael’s fondest memories was having a waitress take our food order for nachos at Panther games as we watched the game.

Michael loved to draw.  When our family would go out to eat, we would play a game.  One of us would draw one squiggly line, and Michael would turn it into an elaborate drawing with great detail. 

He loved science fiction, particularly Star Wars, both books and movies.  Video games consumed him during his early high school days.  Many times we would find him asleep at the computer late at night.   

Michael possessed exceptional recall.  We would watch a movie together and afterwards he was able to remember every detail.

Everyone that Michael came into contact with became an instant friend.  He was a natural at shepherding small children. 

In his last hours on earth, Michael sent text messages to each of us and to his sister telling us he would love us forever and always.   Michael, we love you more than words can express, and we will hold you in our hearts forever.  May God hold you close and grant you peace.   We miss you so much.

All Our Love,
Mom and Dad