Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

Mike and Mady - Seattle, Washington

 
On May 1, 2012 I received the dreaded phone call from my heartbroken mother that my beloved Uncle Mike had left us to be with grandma and grandpa.  

I am lucky and blessed that I have such an amazing relationship with my family members.  However, this came as such a tragedy that my heart instantly flooded with sadness and emotion that became uncontrollable. As the day went on, I found myself going back to the night Mike and I had a conversation during our family reunion in Florida (2011).  He and I sat out on the patio one evening discussing life, love, loss, the past, the future, and so much more.  I remember him saying to me, “love with all you have Lora.  You’ll regret things when you don’t.  You won’t have regret knowing you did all you could.  You will always make mistakes.  Just remember to learn from them.”  

It was this very conversation that has had more impact in my life then any therapy session, book I have read, story I have heard, or advice I have been given. I have been given some wonderful advice many times however it was something about the way he said the things to me that night that really struck home with me. 
This conversation with an intelligent man full of passion and love combined has led me to drop my guard, push my self-doubt aside, and trust my gut.  I was able to accept that I life is unpredictable, so go after what you love, and what you want.   I remember Mike told me, “you are a smart girl and you will figure it out”. He was right.  I will.  I have faith in myself that taking a risk, may hurt, but it’s still a lesson learned.  Learning I did in this last 6 months post our conversation.  It reminds me that when one door closes another door opens.  That it did too.

Mike was an amazing man.  I feel so blessed to call him family.  I feel blessed that I had this conversation with him in October of 2011.  It breaks my heart to know that was the last time I would hear his words, his voice, his wisdom, his love, and his passion.  However, as written by Dr. Suess, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

I will miss you and always love you Uncle Mike.