Saying Goodbye

I wanted to share a poem that Michael wrote for his memorial flyer. 

Afterglow

I'd like the memory of me

to be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an afterglow

of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave and echo...

Whispering softly down the ways, 

Of happy times and laughing times

and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve,

to dry in the sun. 

There were so many people at the wake yesterday. It was good to see some family members that we haven't seen for a while. Everyone was trying their best to be brave. 

Some more info on the cancer Mike had:

Firolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma is a rare form of liver cancer that usually occurs in young adults with no history of liver disease. Each year, approximately 200 people are diagnosed with this cancer worldwide. Patients typically present with little or no symptoms. The recommended treatment is surgical removal of the tumor. When the tumor cannot be removed surgically or when there is a distant spread, chemotherapy is used, however, there is no standard chemotherapy regimen that has proven effective. Michael's tumor samples have been preserved to further the research and understanding of this disease in hopes of finding an effective treatment for future young adults afflicted by Fibrolamellar. 

Mike you were a brave young man. You fought so hard, and even when it was really hard you kept your sense of humor and thought of others. You will be missed. 

Love 

Aunt Karen