Michael M.
1969-2017

Michael’s Dash
The first date on Mike’s tombstone will be the date of his birth
The next date will bring us to tears
What matters most though,
is the dash between those years.
A Tribute by a Loving Father, David M.

Mike, a.k.a. Mad Dog, died in 2017 at the age of 47. This quote is the first verse of a poem written by Mike’s father and read by him at the memorial service. Mike’s father, David, organized and presided over the memorial service; there were no ordained clergy in the small funeral parlor where Mike’s body had resided since he was found lifeless on his living room floor. Once David had finished his tribute to the son he loved so greatly, he opened the floor to the crowd of friends for their comments. Without hesitation, people moved to the podium to tell those gathered about this most unlikely Mad Dog.

That dash represents all the time
Mike spent alive on this earth
Only those who knew and loved him
Know what that little line is worth.

As far as nicknames go, you would not describe Mike as a Mad Dog. He was small in stature, friendly, funny, slight and so kind. He was a loving son, a compassionate husband, a loyal friend, a valued employee and talented creative chef. His nickname was a sign of unity with his friends and there were many in attendance that night. Our family had known Mike since high school. Both sons were good friends with him. However, my youngest son and he were good buddies who kept in touch and maintained an honest friendship through some rough times for both young men.  

The speakers were friends, parents who had known him as a child, teachers, employers. All talked about his wonderful attitude, his helpfulness, his kindness-always his kindness. They came together to raise over $6,000 in his name. They cried; they laughed; they choked out their tributes through heavy tears.

It mattered not how much he owned;
Cars, a house or cash.
What mattered most to him was friendship and love
And how he spent his dash.

So, why did he die; this wonderful man with so much going for him? Why are so many left lonely and missing his presence in their lives? Well, Mike lost his battle. He was in a life and death battle with addiction. Not addiction to one of those nasty illegal drugs that do so much damage. He lost his battle with alcohol; that legal substance which can also wield so much damage.  

I have long ago given up trying to figure out why things happen the way they do in this life. However, as I listened to the comments by Mike’s father, sister and friends, I realized the testimonials given in this crowded room had a purpose that I could not define. They spoke honestly about Mike’s struggle. He had triumphs and defeats and yet, he kept kindness in his relationships with others even in the face of his own uphill climb. He helped many acquaintances to recognize their own problems with alcohol and stay the course. His death and memorial service may help more folks, as the money raised in his name will be used to help others struggling to recover from addiction.

I, personally, believe God was there in that room watching His sorrowing children. Was this God’s will? I am not equipped to answer that question. One longtime friend turned to Mike’s casket and pleaded through her sobs, “Mike, if you could only see yourself through our eyes.” I would change her plea to “our eyes and God’s eyes” because God loves each one of His children. Remember that God loves you unconditionally, all the time; no matter where you are or what you do.  

Mike always treated everyone with respect
And most often wore a smile
We’ll fondly remember his special dash
Though it only lasted a while.

Posted by Terri in June 2017