Hi Emily. You won’t remember me because the only time we met was when you were a small child.
I only learned of Mike’s sickness/passing a few short weeks ago. And I am heartsick over it.
Mike was literally my best friend from college.
Although it pales in comparison to the pain your family is enduring, I’m really struggling with this.
But I’m persevering through prayer.
I hope you can take consolation in knowing I have been praying for your family daily since I learned of it.
Truly I have never met a better person than Mike in my entire life.
Be blessed,
Vinnie Gieselman
Sorry seems to be an inadequate word to convey what I want to say... there is no word deep or strong enough or meaningful enough... What a light in this world and oh how privileged those that had the chance to know Mike deeply or even briefly are. That place in your soul and piece of your heart will forever be intertwined with him as he is a part of you and you of him. It may be hard to see him now but he is right here with you... in the sunrises and sunsets, the wind passing through the trees, the waves that crash again and again, in the gentle face of the moon, and when you fall asleep to dream may he join you there. I cannot speak to what you and your family are going through now but can only hope that you find comfort in sharing Mike's story and legacy as time passes. What a gift to know him and to have known him so closely. He sure made his earthly life a spectacular one.
I am going to end with a poem that I come back to often and I hope you might find warmth in it.
Let This Darkness be a Bell Tower - Rainer Maria Rilke
Quiet friend who has come so far,
feel how your breathing makes more space around you.
Let this darkness be a bell tower
and you the bell. As you ring,
what batters you becomes your strength.
Move back and forth into the change.
What is it like, such intensity of pain?
If the drink is bitter, turn yourself to wine.
In this uncontainable night,
be the mystery at the crossroads of your senses,
the meaning discovered there.
And if the world has ceased to hear you,
say to the silent earth: I flow.
To the rushing water, speak: I am.
Much love to you. Your Dad was an example of how to live serving God, your family, and your community. I feel lucky I knew him and will strive to be a better person because I did. There are no words that seem adequate to express how sorry I am.
I only learned of Mike’s sickness/passing a few short weeks ago. And I am heartsick over it.
Mike was literally my best friend from college.
Although it pales in comparison to the pain your family is enduring, I’m really struggling with this.
But I’m persevering through prayer.
I hope you can take consolation in knowing I have been praying for your family daily since I learned of it.
Truly I have never met a better person than Mike in my entire life.
Be blessed,
Vinnie Gieselman