For your memories

[bluerskies]

I am starting this thread for everyone to use as a place to put their memories of their loved one who has passed away. Sometimes you just want other people to hear something you remember about someone. Just to feel as if they didn't disappear, that their life is remembered.

[bluerskies]

I started dating Mike because he was such a force, so creative, so interesting, such an inspiration. I'm going to write this memory in first person just because it is a little easier.

We were art students, the world opened it's doors to us and anything was possible. You were friends with my friend. We went bowling on Tuesday nights. You never drank.

You asked me out. You arrived at my house so dramatically. Your huge old Bronco pulled up in front of my house. I stepped up into it and there you sat -- a tan cowboy hat on and aviator sunglasses, your shirt -- the kind you liked reminded me of 80 year old men -- we drove off, Johnny Cash blaring on the radio, you singing loud and unabashedly. On the seat of your Bronco are old art books, your sketchpad, things -- always creative things, you carried with you.

We went to Denny's. We sat across from each other in a booth by the window. My heart was racing. Electricity. We talked -- culture, art, everything. We always had so much to talk about. And then you said to me --"YOU are going to be my girlfriend". And I fell, hard. You drove me home, I sat in my room thinking about you, hoping you would call. Excited and happy.

[readyforhelp]

Bluerskies, I like the thought of this thread. It gave me chills. Thank you.

It makes me think immediately of my parents, who both died from there addictions. My dad was 60 (1997) and my mom was 55 (2007). I don't know what to say about them right at this moment. However, I am grateful that there was some level of forgiveness for each of them before they died. Otherwise, I imagine I may be pretty pissed off right now.

I am sorry for your Mike. And, thank you again......

[TheQuixotian]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mike.

I've seen this thread and wanted to post some of my memories but even though it's been a little over a year it remains painful to go into any real detail.

He was so talented and sincere and unique and did not deserve this end. He was and will always be loved is all I can say at this time.

I wanted you to know too that it appears to get somewhat easier with time. Where I am today is no where near the horrible emotional and even physical pain, and the confusion I felt at the time and sometime after his death. Many good souls and one good soul in particular on SR in particular helped me to move forward. I had to asked all the unanswerable questions I wanted and be "satisfied" before I could do that.

The void remains though and I suspect it always will but I must continue to live without him and try as best to do that with the positive that he left with me and which are now undoubtedly a part of me.

Q