A reminder of Mike's passing popped up from this sight in an email, and I felt compelled to share another story I happened to remember from the "good ol' days".  It goes like this:

One of the things Mike and I shared as friends was a love for all things Bill Cosby.  I believe that between the 2 of us, we had memorized every word on every album that had been recorded by Cosby at that time.  We sure shared a lot of laughs over reciting (ver batim) everything "The Coz" had to say on those albums.  We always had audience participation when we were doing these "recitals" at school, so it was great fun for anyone within earshot!  

One of the funniest quotes was when Coz would say "little tiny hairs growin' all over my face", as Mike apparently had a heavy beard and he almost always had a "shadow" no matter how recently he had shaved.  It was funny stuff back then.  Still is.  I smile every time I think of or hear that phrase.  

You are missed Mikey.  Many cared for you because of the man you were and the smiles you brought.  This year marks 40 years since I lost my first husband, and 10 years since you left this life. Two truly remarkable men gone far too soon. 

Well, others of our class have passed this year, and it's for sure and for certain none of us old farts are getting any younger.  So practice up on your Cosby stuff buddy, 'cause one of these days, we'll get to do it all over again! ~~~ Barb

I went to high school with Mike.  We were always swapping goofy stories, and this is what he told me one day about the family monkey, Ringo.

"I was doing homework the other night, and Ringo came over and was sitting looking at me kind of wierd.  He'd kind of hold his little hand out toward my face, then pull it back, and look me in the eye like he was curious.  He did this 2 or 3 times.  I couldn't figure out what his deal was.....then, before I knew what hit me, he poked me right in the eye!  Then the little jerk jumped up where I couldn't reach him and he LAUGHED at me....all teeth and grinning and LAUGHING!"  

The way he told the story was classic Mike.  We laughed until we had tears rolling down our faces.

That's how I always remember my buddy Mike.  Smiling and telling stories.  What a great guy!
 

I was a second grader at Monte Vista Elementary when I spoke to my first "real life" Police Officer in uniform.