Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sunday, June 30 - The Remember Mike Party


The big day has arrived and a busy, busy one it was.  The sky was blue and stayed that way all day long, a light breeze was blowing, it was going to be a perfect day to celebrate the life of a man who never liked being out in the rain. Pat and I loaded up the car and headed for Lake Farm Park.  Ben, Pat and Roger, and Jonnie came early to help us get set up, then Tom and Karen arrived with the beer and Bob and Penny arrived with the food.  We were ready just in time.

It was 4 hours of nonstop talking and greeting folks that we hadn't seen in a long time.  There was a steady stream of family and extended families, childhood friends, classmates, neighbors, co-workers, camping friends, kids, and dogs -  over 100 people that showed up throughout the afternoon to help us celebrate Mike's life.  What a guy - he sure touched a lot of folks - and we won't stop loving and missing him - ever.

Roger and his brother, Gary, were busy making Old Fashioned cocktails - one of Mike's favorites.  Tom, Pat, and Ben made a toast to Mike and then Tom sent off 2 rockets that flew about 1/2 mile into the clear blue sky.  People enjoyed watching the slideshow and looking at pictures and conversations were full of stories and memories.  By the end of the party, the beer and lemonade were gone and most of the food was consumed - just as I had hoped for.  We cleaned up, loaded up, and headed to Glass Nickel Pizza, since none of us had much of a chance to eat - we were to busy talking.

It was a wonderful afternoon.  Many thanks to all of you who helped out and showed up.  It meant so much to all of us.