Michael thank you for these words. Your outlet for illustrating the deepest questions known to man, from a place much closer than most will ever have the chance to articulate them, is a beautiful thing, despite the circumstances.
I will never know your struggles, but I truly am inspired by your strength and clarity through this adversity. Even when you feel like you don’t have any strength left, you do. It may not be present to you in physical or emotional form, but just know that it is there in these words. And sharing these thoughts will undoubtedly reach and help someone who needed to hear them.
Reasons may be unknown, and you may never see their positive affect. Answers may never follow certain questions. The butterfly effect of your life and time on this earth will resonate farther than you can ever fathom. I appreciate my opportunity to experience some of that effect and just want you to know that your thoughts and “inner flow” that you’ve set free from your mind has inspired me. I truly hope you’re able to recognize that.
I hope your chemo is going well and that you and your family are able to hold onto the hope that feels so elusive in such precipitous times. Sending you all my prayers and hopes for a happy holiday season. Cheers friend.
Michael, I don't know why but I felt compelled to come back and read this update again. I think of you quite often, especially since we just had our conference. I think about you casually sharing your story with me as we walked from one session to another. Thank you for trusting me with your story. We talk a lot about collaboration and being a team and a family here, but this is what it really means. It means hoping every day that there is good news even though you know the chances are slim. It's being there to listen no matter how hard or uncomfortable it is. As the mother to a young man about your age, I can only imagine the pain and fear your parents must be feeling and my heart and love go out to all of you. If there is ever anything that you need from me or your GT family, please don't hesitate to reach out. My direct # is 312-602-8125. No matter what it is, I will make it happen for you. Sending you so much love and strength <3
Michael, thank you for the update. I’m sorry to hear the latest news and that you are going through this. Please know I am thinking of you and have you in my prayers.
Michael Aka Miguel, My heart is with you, you are in my thoughts all the time, we all are learning with all of this and I keep hope and faith that you are going to overcome all of this, I know that nothing I can say would make you or your fam feel better through all these hard times, but keep united and love each other and trust God is on your side.
I love u <3
ps: Write more all your fans (including me obviously) love your exceptional and beautiful writing.
Michael, thank you for the update. You write with amazing wisdom and clarity that we can all learn from. Your strength has always amazed me. Know that I'm pulling for you in all the ways I know. Love to you and your family.
Michael, I am again so amazed at what you write - it is so raw and truthful. I know it doesn’t change anything but I am so so sorry you are going through all this. I don’t know how I would deal with this situation but I am 100% certain I would not be as articulate and open as you are. Somehow, despite the unfair and brutal physical and emotional roller coaster you’re on, you manage to create something beautiful for all of the rest of us in these journal entries. Keep writing, keep your heart open and your spirit unbroken, Michael. The world (including all of us!) needs you.
Love, Aunt Vicki
“We don’t know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have.”
Hi Michael,
Been keeping up with these posts and getting updates from a distance through your parents. Sorry to hear about the recent setback.... always seems to be another one right around the corner, eh?!
You know, after the Nats finished the fight and ended their incredible journey this past season... I heard a local sport talk show host that likened their exploits to an “Indiana Jones movie” .... just when you thought they were down and out, somehow they figured out a way to get out of the jam! Time and time again ..... that’s what life is, right?! Except lots of people miss out on the fact it encompasses both the good and the bad... both of which create such strong feelings and emotions that truly makes us human after all. I mean, what an amazing thing to engage in such deep, thoughtful and exploratory discussions with the ones that you love .... and to share such insight ... vs the idle chat that most of us engage in with those around us.
While it’s been difficult to follow along which your struggles... it’s also been inspiring to hear your words and thoughts and to see that you’ve embraced this challenge vs running away from it.
You’ll win. One way or another, you’ll win. Just have to finish the fight!
Hey Mike -- Sorry to hear about the latest setback. I'm sure you've seen the video of Jimmy V back in the '90s at the ESPYs when he gave his now well-known "don't give up, don't ever give up" speech. Fantastic words to live by but I recall mainly being struck by his advice on what every person should try to do every day: laugh, think, and cry. Those exhortations to show emotion and enthusiasm every day are spot on. Thanks for keeping us updated on your experiences over these past months and know that your wonderful prose is helping each of us realize those three sensations every time you post. Sending loads of positive thoughts and vibrations your way. All the best, Doug
-Dan