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My name is Kathleen. I am Michael's eldest sister. I remember clearly the day Michael was born. It was December 12, 1970. We were at Aunt Agnes and Uncle Pat's house waiting to hear word of the new baby. You might think, since we have a large family, that this was nothing new or novel. But it had been 3 years since we had a new baby in the house and we were very excited. For some reason, that day has always stood out in my mind. I remember the joy we felt when we learned about our newest brother, Michael. We truly thought his arrival was an early Christmas present. Our family has always felt lucky- and blessed. You see - our family is our fortune and Michael was one of our treasures. His life was a gift. As we wrestle now, almost 31 years later, with the pain of his loss, we feel very strongly that we must celebrate the gift of his life. Michael always seemed a little fragile as a child -maybe because he was so gentle and so skinny. But really, he was quite strong. Whether it was playing for hours outside in the cold or down at the beach, or venturing off to the water in the little rubber raft with Thomas and Paul in tow, Michael never wanted to stop living. He knew that each moment was a gift to be enjoyed. Even as a small child, Michael made us laugh. Whether he was making faces or singing songs, he was just funny. Yes, he was quiet and unassuming - but Michael was also very entertaining. He gave me memories that make me smile no matter how sad I feel. There was always some excitement in our house with the little ones around. I remember waking up one morning to find 2 little faces peering at me, waiting for me to wake up. Michael and Thomas were waiting to warn me "Look in your shoes before you put them on. The hamster is loose." We had some misadventures and when things did not go as planned, like the time I took the kids to a truck rest stop instead of an apple orchard or the Christmas tree farm that had only 3 foot trees, and even when I lost the camera after we took great pictures on a hiking trip, Michael did not act disappointed but good-naturedly teased me - for years. He was even patient when I finally agreed to go fishing and my line kept getting tangled with his. Anyone who has spent any time in our house knows that there are often lively debates but Michael always brought levity to any discussion. Whenever we began to take ourselves too seriously, Michael was the one to utter a line or quip that would set us straight. He knew how to make us focus on what was truly important. As difficult as it has been for us over these last weeks, I believe Michael has been with us all along, especially in the moments that we have been able to laugh. We will miss that raised eyebrow look, the crinkled smile and little half-laugh, and the quick joke but Michael will always be present, in our hearts and in our thoughts, at every family gathering and all the moments in between. When Michael received word that he was admitted into the Fire Department, I was anxious because I knew how dangerous this job was and every big-sister protective instinct in me wanted to talk him out of it. Yet I knew I could not. This was Michael's dream. When he was a criminal justice major at Iona, Michael spent a lot of time with Mark and I learning about our jobs as legal aid attorneys. I respected his choice of public service, just as he respected mine. And though my worst fears have been realized, I know in my heart that Michael was doing a job he loved. And so, I will take a lesson from my brave little brother Michael, for whom I have the deepest respect. I will cherish the days I have with my loved ones here on earth. And, Michael I look forward to seeing your wonderful smile and hearing your laugh again someday in heaven. |