I met Michael in a very unique way. My daughter and I get together to do all kinds of different crafts. From making cossplay costumes for Ashley to a ridiculous amount of masks for Covid. But we rarely did them alone. Even though we are in Michigan and Michael wasn't. He was with us so often. Ashley and Michael would start talking, she would put him on speaker and the fun began. The jokes, the laughter, and even the serious conversations, we spent hours talking. The trip Michael took brought him and Kelly within 3 hours of where I live. I had to meet him in person. I am so grateful that I decided to drive down to where they were . Meeting Michael in person was such a blessing and joy. Putting a face (not just a picture) to the voice was the final piece. Even though I knew him in a limited way, he made such an impression on me. Thank you Michael. Bless you.

As I'm approaching the final day of your life on what will be the 1 yr anniversary tomorrow( isn't anniversary something to be celebrated? This is the complete and utter opposite) my heart aches as I remember the final 24 hours. I knew at the visit I made to see you at the hospital that time was ending. I knew that you wanted to go home and pass with dignity with those that could be there or choose to be.
I remember bringing you home with your sissy Bethany DiCaprio. I know you were as happy as you could be that she was there...but I also know how you were thinking..you were actually relieved that I wouldn't be alone when you passed. I know you were worried about me..that I'd be ok because I was the same with you my son.
The night was long and I didn't sleep because I watched you sleep..by your side if you needed anything.. I would be right there. I remember the last words you whispered to me because you didn't have the strength to speak beyond that. I remember quietly letting my tears out...but you saw them... you said " Don't cry Mama.. please don't cry." I hugged you...feeling so lost and told you how much I love you and your last spoken words were " I love you too"
 I remember the final moments later that day..my arms around you like I promised you they would be. I had promised you that I would hold you as you took your final breath because it was in my arms that you took your first. I told you how much I love you and how proud of you I am. I know you heard us all saying that to you...because we all love you. We all miss you.
Not a day...even hour goes by that I don't think of you and miss you so very much. If I could have taken your place in all you went through... I would have never let you feel a second of your illness.
I know one day..when my time comes you will be there to great me with hug and an I love you Ma...but, until that day... I will carry you in my heart.

I wish I had the chance to know you. Rest easy now brother, your battles are done. We got the watch now and will continue the battle down here. Drop your mama a sign every now and then, I know she misses you terribly!!

Oh Micheal! That corny jokes, the laughs, the inside jokes, and all the memories. The first time I saw you, you were on the ortho floor. I seen you flying down the hall when I went to see my friend. Next thing I knew, you were getting admitted to my ward. I was the first one to welcome you to our ward. I knew at that moment that we bonded. I watched you through your fight. I often think about you, and just recently was talking to my mom about you.

I was welcomed into your life by yourself and your mom. I charish the moments that we had together. I am proud that I got the privilege to care for you. The scares that we faced, and the victories we got to go through. Micheal, I miss you. You and your mom will always have a special place in my heart! ♥️

Ian and I are so grateful to have been able to spend time with you when you visited from Texas. You were an amazing young man, and we really enjoyed talking with you and sharing memories! You were smart beyond your years.
I remember when you were in the Corp Of Cadets and spent the night at our house with Shane. You wanted nachos, so we ran to the store and bought everything you had wanted to put on them! They were so good. We had a great night watching movies and just having fun.
We love and miss you Michael ❤️

To my first grandson: you will be loved and missed forever but will always live in my heart. I love you forever. Grandma Linda.