The Dash / Bonnie Swanson (Carey) (old friend from Andover ) The Dash...
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend He referred to the dates on her tombstone From the beginning....to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time That she spent alive on earth... And only those who loved her Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own: The cars...the house...the cash. What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard... Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left, That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough To consider what's true and real, And always try to understand The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, And more often wear a smile... Remember that this special dash Might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy's being read With your life's actions to rehash.... Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent your dash?
By Linda Ellis
To Mike's family...the Mike I remember and have read about so much, seems to have lived a very loving dash. Our prayers are with you and those little ones.
The Dash / Bonnie Swanson(Carey) (old friend from Andover )
What a nice way to read how people cared for such a wonderful man. I remember Mike as a kid, then at Western when I was so scared to be there, he and Greg would play cards with Venus and I. Then a couple years went by and I saw him at a Mallards game. He talked to Randy(my husband) and I like no time had passed by. Friendly as ever!! I have a poem that a dear friend gave to me and she has so bravely read at funerals of her family....
Mike, this tribute goes out to you and your family, / Jose Lucero (Friend in Christ ) Mike, I want you to know that your death was not in vain. I want to pay my condolences to you and your family first and foremost. I need you to know that you are in my prayers every day and soon, very soon you will understand how much you have actually done to save a life.
Your children, your wife, your siblings and parents are in my prayers. The life you lived was a beautiful one. I was lead to your website by the Holy Spirit and immediately after reading it, so much good has happened in my family and I owe it all to you. We don't know why things happen the way they do, and we don't understand them but sometimes God gives us a glimpse of his plan and helps us to realize our purpose.
May you rest in peace, may your family take comfort in all of the family and friends who surround them with love as they grieve your loss and may you one day come to comfort them and reassure them of your love for them.
God bless, PJ
Why must they leave? / Michelle Deuley ((A widow) ) Debbie, Words can not express the pain I feel for you at this time. The sadness you feel is undescribeable as I was widowed in August 2004 and I truly know how you feel. I will make this short as you have a lot to do right now but please, feel free to contact me if you ever need someone to talk to.....
Give those babies a big hug and know that in each one of them is a gift from Mike... even the one on the way in January. God Bless you.
~Thinking Of You~ / Melissa Carlie Adams Grandma (((Hugs)))
The Wings Of An Angel So Pure And So White, The Wings Of An Angel Holding You Tight, The Wings Of An Angel Caressing Your Skin,
The Wings Of An Angel Keeping The Love Within. These Wings From An Angel Are My Gift To You, These Wings From An Angel Will Help See You Through.
Love and (((hugs))) From,
~Melissa's Grandma~
To the Sottos Families / Julie Russell (Friend of Jennie (Mike's sister) )
The Sottos family is one I learned a lot about while working with Jennie at AlWood. We sat and shared stories and pictures of our families almost daily. I know this family has the kind of love and support for one another to get through this terrible loss. Jennie talked endlessly of her brother, sister-in-law and all those nieces and nephews. I knew instantly that her life was all about family, one which was thought highly of. I feel for all of you, but know that your strong love and caring of one another will get you through this. I continue to pray for all of you.
so very sorrry / Terri Crossland (passerby) Debbie and all of Mikes family,friends and colleagues. How truly blessed are all of you to have known such a wonderful,caring and compassionate guy?? Mike will be in heaven now amazed no doubt at all the love he inspired in all of you. I know that words are sometimes not enough, and i can feel the enormity of Mikes loss in all your eulogys and tributes, its so very sad. Debbie, what you said in your eulogy about people hiding their depression becuase they are embarrassed or ashamed is so true and in a profession like Mikes, i guess its even harder to admit. my only son Ben was murdered in june 2003 aged 16 and the pain i felt and still feel is horrendous, i suffered with severe depression after his death and contemplated suicide many times as i could see no way out. I am a senior nurse and i too see death,tragedy and heartache every day and it does gnaw away at you, but when you are feeling low anyway it is a 100 times worse. I have always felt that there is a very fine line between coping and nor coping and all of us come very close to that line , unfortunately for Mike he stepped over it. I nearly did too, but i am fine now and i wish i could fly up to heaven and say to Mike that it does get better but i know i cant. I find Mikes site today when i lit a candle for my son and i have sat here in England crying at the sadness of his untimely death. Debbie i am sending you a hug and my thoughts to you and your beautiful children, hold on to your lovely memories and know that Mike will be with you every day guiding you and loving you.
www.ben-prunty.memory-of.com Terri xxx
hope offered / Cristine Clements I would like to express my sincere sympathy to this beautiful family and to thank you for being so open regarding his illness. I just lost my beloved brother Rob "Bobby" Shingler two months ago today as a result of depression. He was a school teacher here in Palm Beach County and loved by many. He was the best brother, friend, mentor any one could ever ask for. When I read your notes concerning your beloved and how difficult this illness is it really helped me put into perspective how powerful this disease really is. I believe that these two remarkable individuals did not die in vain and that someone out there may be saved as a result of these tradgedys. I know this is a terrribly difficult time for your family but please know we are praying that God will sustain you and comfort you each and every day.
What a beautiful father and example of God's love. Debbie, you and the children are in my prayers. Ilove you!
memories/ Pat And Gary Schmidt (childhood friends ) we are the parents of mike schmidt who went to school with mike until 9th grade when we moved to las vegas--we are so sorry this has happened to mike --he was a beautiful boy and grew to be a great man- we want to give you our sympathy and we will be praying for the family as they go through this terrible time . my thoughts are of pee wee baseball and jr high sports what a great little boy. Forgive him what has happened and remember God knows Mike was going through great trials and will forgive him and take good care of him in heaven.
You are in my thoughts and prayers... / Cristy (passer-by) I'm so sorry for your loss. My husband passed away by suicide in April of this year at the age of 44. Depression/mental illness took over his last few months and he wasn't the same father/husband/son/brother that he was before. I never would have dreamed he would have done such a thing as I know you must be feeling too.
I am truly sorry for your loss and I pray that God will comfort you during this time - he has comforted me. I know your Mike was a wonderful person. My deepest sympathies are with you.
With Deepest Sympathy / Tanya Braet/Holder (Went to HS w/Debbie ) Debbie,
Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I commend you for advocating for mental illness, especially depression which victimizes so many. Your personal words and factual information regarding depression will help more people than you may ever know, as well as, help diminish the stigma attached to mental illness. You are so right when you say mental illness is not any different than a physical illness such as cancer.
If only there were words that could ease the hurt you feel, I would so gladly say them. Again, please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Tanya Braet (Holder)
My Condolences. / Jim Madison (Fellow Officer ) Debbie and Family-
I am sorry to hear about your loss Mike will be missed by all that knew him.
To the Sottos family, specifically Angie and Jenny / Kerry (Sackfield) Ossian I realize it has been a while since I've spoken with either of you, especially you Angie. I think of you often since the days at Pasternak's office. I just returned from vacation and was shocked to read about Mike's death. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you all. I only met him once, but he seemed - like everyone in your family - to be a fantastic person. After reading the memorial website I've learned he was more than I even realized. If there is anything I can do or if you need a shoulder, please don't hesitate to contact me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kerry (Sackfield) Ossian
came across this site / Stranger i came across this site while uploading pictures for my dads website who was recently killed by a drunk driver.......mike and baby's pic caught my eye.....i feel pain and tears when i look at your family's pics....all the loss .....im sure you are all feeling.....i pray for you and for your family....as well as for mike........
the poem was true....you cant understand unless you have felt it.....it must have been so hard for him to get help......its embarrassing......esp. for a man who is supposed to be strong......
As you know God forgives everything..... there is no way all of the good and happiness this man gave could go not noticed. I know this man is in Heaven.
Peace for your family
I Am So Sorry / Janet (No Relation ) Debbie and Family, My heart aches for you and your family. I do not know you, and yet my prayers go up for you and your children. You remain in my thoughts and prayers...God can give you that peace that passes all understanding. May his mercy be extended to you now and during that eventual healing process. God's Blessings....
Still keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers! / Robin (stranger) I pray for God to comfort each and everyone one of you.
Our Thoughts & Prayers Are With You / Brett Wisnauski (Police Officer )
I received an e-mail from my friend Greg Heist telling me about Mike. I was saddened to hear of the passing of such a great man, great husband, great father and great police officer. It certainly sounds as if he touched warmly so many lives in such a short period of time. May that wealth of beautiful memories comfort you and be with you forever.
God Bless Each of You, Brett Wisnauski Algonquin, IL Police Department
With sympathy for your loss. / Gregory Wilhite I am so sorry for your families loss. My wife and I will remember you and your family in prayer.
Gregory Wilhite, Patrol Officer Manassas City Police Department Manassas, Virginia
No words can soften... / Kemper Anderson (Brother Officer ) the sense of utter loss and desolation you must be feeling at Mike's passing. Take what comfort you can, however, in the knowledge that he was a GOOD man who loved his family and left the world a better place than he found it. Also know that Mike's brother officers around the Country and around the world mourn his passing with you and will be praying for strength and comfort for you and your family in the days ahead. God bless.
Tributes and Condolences
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