We Are #MightyTogether

Happy Birthday Mike

Today would’ve marked your 38th birthday.

I can’t help but think about what we would do to celebrate you today.

I like to think that we’d have one of our classic summer “beer and fire” nights like we always used to when we were in our twenties. I know we’d be eating your mom’s famous taco salad that she made for you every year. I know it was your favorite.

We’d also be vibing to old tunes while catching up on the good old days. Maybe we’d play a few rounds of dominoes.

Looking back, I realize it was never really about what we were doing.

It was about who was there.

And one thing you cherished most in this life was your friendships.

You loved everyone fiercely.

People were drawn to your good energy, your liveliness, and your humor. You could make anyone feel comfortable within the first few seconds of meeting you. You had that charm, that smile, and those baby blues that could light up a room.

Right now, you’d probably be a married man, perhaps with a couple of kids.

Sometimes I find myself wondering what your life would’ve looked like.

Where you would’ve ended up. What stories you’d have to tell. Whether you’d still be here in the valley or living somewhere in Oregon, surrounded by mountains and trees.

I guess I’ll never know.

But I do know how much you loved nature.

And whenever I think about that, I can’t help but think back to our camping trips.

I’ll never forget all the trips we took with our “crew.”

I remember one time, on one of the chilliest nights, you snuck away to your truck and turned the heat on. I woke up thinking, Gee, where did he go?

Come to find out, you were sleeping comfortably while I was miserable and couldn’t sleep because it was so cold.

So I climbed into your truck, enjoyed that nice heat, and slept right next to you.

Don’t get me wrong, I was beyond mad at you.

But I quickly started chuckling because Mr. Manly Man himself couldn’t handle being cold.

There are so many memories like that—wonderful, incredible ones that I look back on whenever I miss you.

And honestly, I think of you so often.

Anytime I’m in the company of our friends, it feels a little emptier because you’re not there.

You left all of us with a missing piece of our hearts.

And it still hurts deeply.

But even in the pain, I find you everywhere.

Anytime I stare into a fire, I see you so clearly.

Anytime I stare out into the ocean, I wonder where you’ve gone and think about how much the beach brought you peace, just like it always has for me.

Anytime I have a cold beer, I cheers it to you.

Anytime “Tell Me Baby” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers comes on, I think back to you being in the music video—so free-spirited and talking about your future goals.

And then I think about the kind of friend you were.

You were one of the first friends who truly made me feel seen and heard.

You gave me comfort when I needed it most. Without any obvious signs that something was wrong, you just knew.

You helped me build confidence in myself.

You taught me how to make eye contact and hold it.

And jokingly, I still think of you whenever I do.

I may never understand why you left.

But I know you’ll never truly leave me.

Because the memories we made, the moments we shared, and the laughs we had are what keep you here.

They carry me through the hard times when I miss your presence—a friend to talk to, a shoulder to lean on.

I will forever miss you and love you, my dear sweet friend.

Happy birthday, you beautiful soul.

“It’s all gravy, baby.” – Michael Maynard

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