November 20
November 20
I have so many memories with Michael that span almost 20 years… since 5th grade. As I get older I have grown to appreciate these friendships that stand the test of time and although Michael and I weren’t as close when he passed, I will always remember him as one of my best friends that I could always call on, no matter how much time and distance had passed. I know I was never as cool or fun as the rest of Michael’s crew, but I felt so much love from him just the same. When I think about Michael, which is often, I always remember how much he made me laugh. He was my first phone call when I was having a bad day, from middle school into college, and I hope that he would say I was the same friend for him. He is so loved and so missed by so many.
One memory that stands out was the summer between middle and high school - I was on the outs with a girl group of friends and spent (what felt like) the entire summer with Michael “Captain Fu” and Sam in my basement playing Halo. I was horrible but they didn’t care. Sometimes my dad played with us too (lol) but they didn’t mind that either. It feels like a silly thing to look back on but especially now that I am a parent, I appreciate so much how Michael and Sam looped me into their plans that summer and took care of me. They probably wouldn’t even remember this or recall it differently, but it meant the world to me and is one of those core memories that has never gone away :) So many other memories and sweet or funny stories I have with Michael, Stephen, TJ, Ryan Rivera, Brian, Forrest, Cecil, Sam, Chandler, Stuart, etc., from Simpson all the way to Athens, could fill novels. What a great group of guys to know.
Michael was hilarious, loyal, thoughtful, kind, smart, and so, so, much more. I’m so grateful to have grown up with a friend like him and every time I think of him, I wish that my girls will get to grow up with a friend just like he was to me. I think about Michael all the time and wish I could tell him how much I love and miss him.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fu and Jonathon (we’ve never met but I’ve always called you Jon-Jon), I want you to know that his memory lives on with his friends - he was so important to so many of us and we will never forget the amazing person he was.
One memory that stands out was the summer between middle and high school - I was on the outs with a girl group of friends and spent (what felt like) the entire summer with Michael “Captain Fu” and Sam in my basement playing Halo. I was horrible but they didn’t care. Sometimes my dad played with us too (lol) but they didn’t mind that either. It feels like a silly thing to look back on but especially now that I am a parent, I appreciate so much how Michael and Sam looped me into their plans that summer and took care of me. They probably wouldn’t even remember this or recall it differently, but it meant the world to me and is one of those core memories that has never gone away :) So many other memories and sweet or funny stories I have with Michael, Stephen, TJ, Ryan Rivera, Brian, Forrest, Cecil, Sam, Chandler, Stuart, etc., from Simpson all the way to Athens, could fill novels. What a great group of guys to know.
Michael was hilarious, loyal, thoughtful, kind, smart, and so, so, much more. I’m so grateful to have grown up with a friend like him and every time I think of him, I wish that my girls will get to grow up with a friend just like he was to me. I think about Michael all the time and wish I could tell him how much I love and miss him.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fu and Jonathon (we’ve never met but I’ve always called you Jon-Jon), I want you to know that his memory lives on with his friends - he was so important to so many of us and we will never forget the amazing person he was.