LETTERS TO MIKE...from family & friends.
Following letter written to Michael last April 2004 by his step-sister, Lori, in hopes of mending their relationship that had fallen apart by distance and Michael was so stubborn and held a grudge forever. He was having problems then and I guess he was more depressed than he led on or we knew. So much we didn't know about what was going on in his life.
Hi Mike!
I know that you and I don't ever write or talk with each other, but I do want you to know that I do think of you as my brother. We may not be blood related, but you're still my brother and always will be. all of my childhood memories are of you and I...playing...fighting...whatever...but they are good memories and I cherish them. You and I had a good relationship as kids and it's sad that we lost that over the years. I think there is a period in life that we all go through to try to "find" ourselves by forgetting others, and with miles and miles between us it was too easy to do. It was also a defensive, protective measure on my part, because deep down, I really missed everybody...alot! So to keep from going into depression over it, I just stopped thinking about it, you, everyone back East. I know now that it was a mistake. But it's not something I can go back and change, and I 'm very sorry if I hurt you during all that time I hope you can forgive me.
I would like for us to be friends/brother/sister again. I'm not expecting weekly letters, but I would like the chance to get to know the Adult Mike. Our last visit together was under stressful conditions (father dying) and it was awkward as hell. I wish it had gone better. I wish I had the chance again. But anyhow...I want my brother back! I hope you would like a sister back too.
I know you will be busy there in Arizona visiting your mother, and may not even have the chance to respond to this, or you may not even care, But just know that I DO! and maybe over time..when you're ready...we can be friends again someday.
your sister,
Lori
Linda, That is a nice memorial page, I too hope he is happy now. I really wished that I could have made friends with him, especially since we were planning on going to Corning next summer. It's so sad that he wouldn't let me back into his life...I'll miss the opportunity that now will never be able to happen. I'll cherish our childhood memories forever, I have lots of fond memories of us playing together, we always got along so well, (for the most part). Playing in the snow, camping, hiking, exploring the river and creek. hours of building lego things together and playing with match box cars, and many more that will be in my heart always. we did not get to spend any of our adult life together, the childhood memories are what I know of him, but that is what I will hold onto, and treasure.
I hope I didn’t make you cry again, that wasn’t my intention, I just wanted you to know how I feel.
Hope your new medicine helps you get some sleep. Take care!
Lori
Dear Michael,
I’ll always remember you, especially when you were a young boy, when you used to spend a lot of time at my house. You were so mischievous at times. Like when you put that huge crab in my bed and almost scared me to death when it bit me. You thought that was so funny. Remember the shaving cream fight? But I’ll always remember it didn’t matter to you that we didn’t live as well as you did. You still treated us as if we did. I wish I could tell you how good that made us feel. Michael, I know how overwhelming life can be at times and the despair that you can feel. I’ve been there too. I wish that I knew that you were feeling that way. But most of all I wish that you could have talked to me about it. You were special to me and I wish that I had told you that more often than I did. The angels up there must be smiling at you because you have the gift of putting a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. You gave so much without realizing it. I’ll always miss you, Michael, but I will have my memories to comfort me. And When I think of you, I will always smile. I love you, Michael.
Love Always,
Your Aunt Pam
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