My favorite Mike memory…

I have a favorite memory of my dear friend, Mike. I decided to write about it like I’m talking or writing to him directly.

When we were 13 & Rebecca still lived at Lake O’ the Hills, we would often take out my row boat for a spin on the lake. This day was no different. You were rowing, Becky was facing you and I was at your back.

As usual, we were talking smack. How you put up with me, I don’t know. I was a terrible brat and was always going to tell on you for something or other, whatever injustice I thought you’d done against me. I was incredibly rotten to you, at times. I’m sorry for that… I was young and had been through a lot in my short life and just didn’t know any different.

About 1/2 way to the island, I’d had enough. So, I took the jug I used for bailing out the boat, dunked it into the lake & filled it full of lake water. I then proceeded to pull back your swimming shorts and dump the bucket of water right down your backside. Afterwards, Becky said that the look on your face was priceless… I imagine that it was, considering I’d just dumped lake water into your shorts.

You weren’t without ammunition. You picked up the sponge I used to clean the boat and soaked it full of water and slogged me. We were at war and we were going strong for 10 minutes… screaming, hollering, laughing hysterically… we went all out.

At some point, we realized two things: 1) Becky was laughing so hard she was crying; and, 2) She was completely dry. I remember you and I making eye contact and without a word, turned on Becky and got her just as soaked as we were.

That is my most favorite memory of you, Mikie. There are so many more memories that I have. I have scars on my knees from when we tangled bikes… We caught ducks with a fishing rod and reel & you nearly knocked me out with smelling salts because I played too much Bon Jovi. We fought like cats and dogs and you spent way too much time trying to get into my pants… but I love you. And, I miss you. Terribly.

We were supposed to grow old and die together, my friend, you and I. Now, you’ve gone before me and I must venture on alone. I know that you will be by my side, like the brother I never had, and you will help me when you can. Know that I will think of you often… "Main Street" by Bob Segar was always the song that made me think of you & it always will.

All my love, dear friend…

Have a great week… remember to tell those close to you that you love them every day. They are the spice in your life, they are the ones that make your life mean something…

Be well, my friends!

Fizz

© ‘Fizz’ 2009