I recently attended a service for another former D-Land custodial cast member and was doing some searches on the Internet and stumbled across this site.  I am very sad to discover the news of Mike’s passing. I worked with ML for a number of years at the park.  He was definitely one of the more easy going people in custodial and never seemed to let the work get to him.  I will always remember him as one of the most decent and caring people I worked with in my time at D-Land (which was quite a number of years as it turns out).  My belated prayers go out to ML’s family.

ML ~ Grief is a willful thing.  It enters my heart when I least expect it... at the movies, seeing someone on a bike or a motorcycle, noticing someone standing in a posture that reminds me of you.  You are strongly in my heart today and the tears make it a little difficult to type this, but I feel the need to share right now, in this moment.  I miss you and love you, ML, and I can’t imagine that the day will come when my heart doesn’t hurt for what you had to endure.  I want to believe that you can hear me when I talk to you.  I want to believe that you are here, still with us – but without any pain and sorrow.  But mostly, I just want to be able to turn back the clock and do so many things differently so that you could still be here, in the flesh, with your family – where you belong.

ML was always willing to lend a helping hand.  He had been coming over to our new house once or twice a week to hang out, and always offered to help with any yard work that needed to be done.  Since our yard is much bigger than the one at our last house, I was happy to take him up on his offer.  :)  This photo was taken on July 24, 2011.  This particular day, my hubby put him to work mowing our lawn.  ML didn't complain... he was happy to do it.  If he was still around, I know he would have probably been over today, helping me water my potted plants and pull a few weeds.  It had become our weekly ritual.  Then we'd enjoy a nice cup of coffee, hang out and talk, maybe play some "Words with Friends," and wait for Mike to come home from work.  He'd always stay for dinner and watch a little TV with us before heading home.

I'll think of him every time I'm out in the yard, doing the things we used to do together.  When I look at this photo, I can picture him out there with me.  I wish we were able to have more of those times together....

I thought I would have more time with you. To help you through to the other side of the darkness. To get you healthy and happy again.  I hope you know how much you were, and are, loved. How impactful you have been on so very many lives. Do you even know how much you were on our minds? How we constantly discussed how to help you, or how frustrated we were?  I know you’re fine now – no longer in pain, but I’m selfish, I miss you. I want you here with us. The family isn't whole without you. 

Sometimes I picture you with Grandma, maybe Grandpa, too. You and Grandma are sharing your poetry.  You and Grandpa are probably watching sports (he's watching sports, you're watching the cheerleaders).  Maybe you’re all looking down at us and smiling. I hope so. I wish we were all given more time with you. I will forever love you and miss you. You were family. You were my friend.  

ps – At the Celebration of Life Gathering last Sunday, I heard some great Disney stories about you during your sweeper days. I wish I could hear about them from you. It sounds like you were quite the “Dude.” 

When we worked together at Disneyland, Mike and I made an agreement that we would get married, if neither us were by a certain age.  I am sad to say that bet was never taken up on.  I will definitely miss my flirting buddy.
Rest in peaceful sleep, ML.    

As I worked with ML at Disneyland and just knowing hime was a privledge. HIs smile brightened everyone he looked at or spoke to. As I will not ever forget him or that wondeful smile...May he R.I.P as you will be truly missed ML by so many people and hearts you have touched! 

He had to deal with my harrassment, my affection, and my crazy personality but he ALWAYS  had a smile on his face!!  Even here when I made him take a picture with me at "The Condo" in Adventure/Frontierland.

We feel so fortunate, that we were able to spent some time with Mike at Traci's, just before we returned to Mazatlan on October 23.  We have fond memories of Mike and all the cousins growing up together and remaining close, not just as cousins, but as best friends.  Mike had a gentle spirit, great smile and his presence seemed to make others feel better just being around him.  The treasures of our life are not things, but the people we chose to know and love...It is obvious that Mike has blessed many more people than he could ever know and he will be truly missed but never forgotten.

Ron & Joyce Pogue

This is the last time I saw ML in person while I took this photo after the services for Jeff Lamb were over  but stayed in touched with him via Facebook.

Shelly Moore and ML in this photo.