Happy Birthday to one special man! Michael as many have always said had a smile that lit up the room and was so quick to laugh and make you laugh. I met Michael in 6th grade and our friendship continued through the years. We became very close during our college years. I watch him play baseball, but I absolutely loved watching him play basketball. He was a talented athlete and loved playing like no one else I knew. I remember when he discovered magic, and everyday it was a new trick he was working on, I do not know how he learned his tricks, but Michael was magic on his own. I remember sitting in the living room or kitchen and him practicing and showing me his new work and I would be floored every single time. He was there for many significant times in my life and showed up when it mattered most. I regret not working harder at staying closer the last few years. Michael was also gentleman and always made sure I felt safe if we were in a new area that I was not familiar with. We were friends who wanted the best for each other and ALWAYS built each other up. Michael was great at that, making you feel good and acknowledging things that perhaps others missed. He was also grateful and would express that continuously. He loved his family beyond measure, they were paramount in his life, always. His parents were always guiding him and he wanted them to be proud. They had this way of making sure everyone knew their sons were special while also keeping them grounded He adored Joey, he was his hero from when I met him in 6th grade and that never wavered, no matter the age. He was a great friend, a great son, a great brother, a great husband, a great father, a great man who is forever missed. Think of you so often.