THE WALL OF FACES

Just before deployment to Vietnam

Michael is memorialized with a military marker which was placed at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

It has taken me thirty-nine years to finally get it right, honoring you. With a permanent memorial marker in nearby Ft. Custer National Cemetery (Garry Owen!)I can now take those moments when I want to connect and find a place to bring you flowers, the way you so often brought them to me. I have celebrated your life through my actions on behalf of 'doing the right thing' for veterans and survivors; and now I have celebrated it with wine and food, and with your very own family who traveled all the way from Buffalo to be here with me on the 39th anniversary of your death. We remembered you with full military honors; and I now have a flag to hold to my heart whenever I feel the need for your presence. I expect I will be holding it near, and often. I miss you in ways that I can't explain but spending time with your sister and the niece who never met you has helped to soften the pain of not having you here. Grief is forever, but so is love. And I do so love you, Mike. Always.

A brother is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.

Missing you and thinking of you every day!

Photo: Graduation from St Lawrence University, Canton, NY