Thursday, September 24, 2009

This One Is For You Michael

As many of you know on the 14th of November last year my beautiful, smart, funny, confident 18 year old son was killed in a terrible accident. He was the fourth of my seven children and the oldest boy. He was a natural leader and the life of ANY party. He is missed beyond measure. As luck would have it Michael actually had a bucket list and it is my intent to do as many things as possible on that list in his honor. On the 18th of April I ran the Salt Lake City Marathon wearing the number he was signed up to run with. I'm quite sure a tall strong boy was running along beside me. On Saturday I'm leaving for Australia and returning to teaching after almost a full year off. Michael very much wanted to go to Oz after graduating high school . I sometimes can almost hear him saying "you can do it Mom". When I get home and we mark what would have been his 19th birthday his best friend and I will be jumping out of an airplane on that day. It was something they had planned to do since they were about eight years old. I hope we will make him proud. Not a minute goes by, not a mile is run, not a stitch is taken that he is not in my thoughts.

9 comments:

  1. Oh how I wish I could come jump with you two! But I think my body will still be screaming at me from three days earlier :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I had no idea that you were jumping! I am so jealous!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. JUMPING?? you are one terrific mom!! God Bless you and Michael and keep you from harm...SAFE travel...A bucket list...how wonderful. Karin

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have always believed that those of us left behind, are to do, see and say those things left undone by those we so loved. Enjoy your trip to Oz, and seeing all that Michael would have loved. We will be waiting to hear all about it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, a son who can get you to jump is an inspiration -- not that I didn't already know Michael has been such an inspiration. You are so often in my thoughts, Gail, and I am so glad you are resuming teaching -- and isn't AU the perfect place to start! (((HUGS)))

    ReplyDelete
  6. It was hard losing my mom 11 years ago, I can't imagine losing a child.
    HUGS! Blessings!

    ReplyDelete