Dear Mike and Monica,

Memory is a funny thing and I know mine is very flawed.  Much as I try,  I do not remember positive things very well.  Positive memories that I do have, others that I thought present have declared the memories false.  So, I have drawn the conclusion that my seratonin deprived brain has skewed all memories and I trust none but the very concrete facts.  My sister has requested that we write memories of her husband Mike as soon as possible so that they are fresh ... and so her son, Quinn, will have a book of memories to learn about his father.

I remember Mike riding a motorcycle, and Monica sneaking a ride on the back even though Grandpa LH would write her out of the will if he had known.

I remember the Thanksgiving dinner that the four of us made, (Mike, Monica, Steve and I) and that the gravy Steve and I made had lumps.  Mike always promised that he would teach us to make gravy after that.  Since Steve and I make gravy differently, not sure that we ever got those lessons.

I remember Mike being very patient with the whole clan at their wedding.  I remember Mike being very good to Monica, and putting up with her strong will and definite ideas.

I remember Mike saying something about how it wasn't anything of a challenge to cook for us because we would just wolf down anything.

I remember Mike being willing share his talent to cook for any and all of the large family gatherings such as wedding receptions, etc. regardless that he wasn't sure that we would eat it slow enough to taste it.

I remember not being able to get very close to Mike and that he related much better to Steve ... the more normal one of our family.

I have the most memories of the family reunions at Seaside and how much he liked to play with the kids.  He went on bumper cars, went bowling, played basketball, made sandcastles and rode the bike gondolas with more energy than anyone else.

I wish I had more to say, I wish that I had more positive to say ... perhaps I will let percolate and try again later.