As many of you know, my sweet brother, Michael went to be with Lord on Tues. He has had a hard life and has experienced so much in just 26 years. He had such a sweet spirit and was one of the most caring person that I've ever known. Growing up we were best friends. Being just 15 months apart, we did everything together including driving our parents crazy. We did everything from catching our bedroom on fire to hiding on the roof of our house. It's amazing we both made it out of childhood. It's those memories that I will fill my heart forever. Michael had many rough times and we knew that everyday was a huge struggle for him. He was a believer and I have no doubt that he is with Jesus now. God saved him so many times and I truly believe that he knew that Michael had enough of the torture he endured and needed Michael to come be with Him in heaven. He is at peace now and will no longer have those struggles. I will forever miss him and can't wait to hold him once again. The funeral went smoothly and he looked good and at peace. Everyone handled it much better than I thought but I know rough times are still ahead. Even though we all knew this was a possibility that he would end it one day, we were still shocked by it. Other than saying good-bye to Michael, the hardest thing was that my dad couldn't be there. TDC denied him being able to go. I know that he was needing that closer. I'm still numb and haven't been able to cry much, which I can't understand. I know it will hit me later because I'm use to going months without talking to him. I still can't believe today was the last time my sisters, Michael and I will all have been together. I know we will all be together again in heaven but I will miss him so very much. Thank you, Michael, for being one of my best friends and understanding me when no one else did. You will always have a place in heart and I will forever remember your beautiful smile. You were always the first to hug me and at times I had to push you away but now I wish I could hold you forever. Please know how much I love you and how special you were to me. I understand why you did what you did. I will never be mad at you for that. Just know that you will never be forgotten and I will love you forever.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Michael, my brother and friend
Posted by Calista at 6:27 PM
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16 comments:
That was a beautiful dedication to your brother, Calista. I am so sorry for your loss. please know that you and your entire family are in my prayers. We will talk soon.
What beautiful things to say to and about your brother. I'm so glad to know that you were aware of his having a relationship with Christ! That truly makes all the difference in any of our lives! I'm glad he is at peace at last but sorry that it had to happen in a way to be so sad for all of you. We're praying for all of you!
We have been thinking about you and praying for you! Isn't it amazing the peace we find in God!
We love you guys!
Kate and I were talking about Michael today. I will always remember his big toothless smile, and his sweet spirit. Kate shared a story about how they used to sit across from each other in 1st or 2nd grade and she lost a tooth in class. Her mouth was bleeding, and she didn't want to make a scene. Michael just quietly got up and brought her paper towels and took care of everything so she wouldn't have to be embarrassed. He had such a kind, giving heart! We will always remember him in that way! We love you and are praying for peace and comfort for you and your entire family.
oh my gosh, calista, i'm so sorry for your family's loss! i will be praying for peace as you mourn your brother's loss.
Calista, I cried as I read these words that I know came from your innermost being and my heart is just wrenched and broken for what you are feeling and will continue to feel. I have a 28 year old brother who has been through circumstances very similar to Michael's over the past 6 years and he and I have much the same story with our relationship growing up. I have felt the pangs of continual heartache as my brother would not be in contact for months to a year and I had no idea if he was dead or alive. God has recently done a miraculous work in his life and brought him back to Himself and he has done the same for Michael only he is finally with Him forever! The angels are rejoicing over his sweet life and Jesus is holding him close for you and your family. I am praying for you and will continue to lift you up before His throne as our sweet Lord shows you how to lean upon Him in every moment. He is faithful and loving Calista, and He will bring joy out of sorrow. I love you dear sister.
Hi Calista--
I know you don't know me, but I just wanted to tell you how beautiful your words about Michael are. I lost my first husband when he was only 28, and God showed me his faithfulness and strength in that time. I pray for that faithfulness, strength, and peace that truly passes all understanding to be made more real than ever for your family.
Calista-
We are holding you and your family close in prayer...asking that God of all comfort would be with you and escort you through each moment of your day!
Love you-
Becky
Calista I just read your blog and do not even know what to say. I am so sorry and our family is praying for all of you. love you and will talk to you soon.
I stumbled across your blog and i can honestly say that i can relate....i too lost my brother to what I think to be similar circumstances. Travis spent so many tormented years on earth, that I know Jesus called him home. I lost Trav in 2001 just before the birth of my second child. I referenced the day we lost him on my blog in Feb. 04 or 05...you can see it in my archives if you are interested. I try to spend my days remembering the good times we had together and praising God for taking him out of his pain, but we will always miss him. I am praying for you and your family. Let me know if I can help you in any way. You have a precious family.
Calista...what a precious letter to your brother, a child of God. I am praying for you continually that God will give you peace and that at some point, when the tears come, He will give you an amazing dose of comfort. I want you to know that I have experienced 25 years of sadness and fear watching a brother deal the hell of his choices. The only thing that can get you through this kind of pain is to rely on God, as you are doing. When drugs and alcohol overtake a life, there is nothing like it. When prison time comes, nothing can dry your tears as you try to go to sleep. When you look into the eyes of a beloved, but tortured soul, nothing can make you understand. I just pray that you will keep your good memories, you will continue to hold fast to you belief that he is at peace now, and that the God of all comfort will comfort you just as he is comforting you sweet brother now.
Hugs and prayers...
That is a great to honor Michael..he would be proud of all of us and he knows that we are all proud of him for trying to beat it. I just want you to know that I love you and I couldnt ask for anyone better to lean on and talk to, especially right now. I could always trust you and talk to you. I could ask for a better "pregnant buddy"..I love you sis! *Cayce*
Calista,
I'm thankful for Michael's friendship and for living down the street from y'all. I have sweet memories of playing basketball with him in your driveway and watching "Back to the Future" together. He has always had a sweet, compassionate, giving spirit. He was so thoughtful even as a kid. Know that you and your family are in my prayers in the weeks and months ahead. Love, kate
Calista,
I know this is a bit late, but I wanted you to know that you've been in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry for your loss, but thankful for your precious memories and the peace that you are feeling! We will continue praying!
Love,
Amanda
Hey girl, long time no talk. I have watched your life unfold through your blog over the past 2 years or so...I sort of live vicariously through all of you old friends who are in Texas with houses and children (haha)...I know it's been a long time since we have talked but I remember our chats back from when you were pledging and to this day I'm so glad I got to be your "big sis." I am so sad to read this post, but am thankful that Michael was so blessed to have a beautiful sister like you, with a matching sensitive heart.
Additionally...I will be praying and watching for this new baby Charlie! Congrats 8 months late on the pregnancy and hope to get to hug your neck one day soon!!!
You don't know me. Actually you do, but you would not remember. For your brothers privacy I cannot say on here how I knew him. However, it was in Midland many years ago. He was such a sweet kid that wanted to be fine and wanted to be healthy. I know how much he loved his family and wanted so much to try to get better for everyone. I have just now found out by chance that he has passed. I am in absolute shock and my heart aches. I am so sad for him that it never got better. I hope and pray that it is better now. I wish him peace and rest. He had a profound effect on my life when I was just starting out and I hope that I will continue to carry the wisdom I gained from him to help others. I am so very sorry for you, your siblings, and your mom and dad. I would like to send Michael some flowers and maybe visit with him. If you feel that it is appropriate please contact me with the place to send them.
God Bless you and yours,
Melainie
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