This picture was taken in Summer 2010 when I visited Teri, Mike, Oma and all the other people I was able to meet when I stayed in CA from Sep. 2009 to Feb. 2010 with my mum and dad. Also it was the last time I saw Mike before he passed away last summer.
This moment unfortunately is one of the few that were captured and always reminds of his kindness and mikeness and how I, especially in this aspect can still learn from him. Although he is not physically around anymore I was and still am strongly influenced by his personality. I learned that sometimes you start valuing people and the relationship you have with them when you live far away from each other but still sense that something about your everyday behaviour has something from these people. It has been 4 years that I saw Mike the last time but now feel especially close to him. These days I try reminding myself some of the grand values you taught me. Doing so I acknowlegde that a lot came from you, Mike.
Thanks for having influenced me that strongly so far in my life.I hope I will be able to grow more in kindness and being able to love unconditionally because in terms of that you were truely a master.
love and hugs from Germany, Göttingen.
I was fortunate enough to be Mike's scuba diving buddy for several years until my health made it too difficult for me. He was always finding ways to make it easier and more fun for me, what a great guy. On a particular dive, we were lucky to run into several young seals who were playing and chasing each other. After watching them for awhile, we set off back toward shore with Mike leading. One of the youngsters grabbed Mike's fin and gave it a playful jerk, startling him severely. He turned on me with such a comical look of accusation, I couldn't stop laughing. Of course, the seal had shot away and was nowhere to be seen, so he didn't believe me. So I gave him our signal for shark, and his whole body radiated disgust. Funny how easily facial expressions and body language can be interpreted when speech is impossible. He was such a good sport and a great man. I miss him.
