My Brother Michael

Early this morning I found out that my brother had passed away ... words cannot begin to do justice in describing the feelings and emotions we experience at this time. Michael was a good man. He was always willing to take time to be with his family. He made us feel important, but most of all he made us feel loved. He shared a very special connection with his nieces and nephews and loved playing with them. Many are the good memories I have of my older brother. The most recent was the Vincent family reunion this past summer. We were able to get together for the first time in years and tell stories of the "good ol' times." A couple days later, Mike and I went to Garden of the Gods to go shooting bringing about 12 6-packs of root beer as target practice. That was by far the most fun I ever had with my brother. It was a perfect day. The sun was shining, there was hardly a breeze, the temperature was ideal, and we found ourselves in the seclusion of the forest. Being in each other's company for those few hours was very enjoyable. As we drove home I knew that would be an experience I would remember for the rest of my life, but little did I know it would be the last one on one time that I would have with him. At the time, my poor wife was 6 months pregnant and taking care of our very active son, Danny. Had she asked me to stay with her and take care of Danny, I might not have been able to share that experience with my brother. However, being the amazing woman she is, she told me to go and enjoy my time with him. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for my wife. Thanks, Jess, for giving me that moment with my brother. You has been such a support to me through some of my biggest challenges, but this has by far been the hardest for me to cope with. Jess, I love you and cherish all that you do for our family. To my brother, Mike, you will be sorely missed. I am a better man for having known you. May God be with you 'til we meet again.