Dear Todd and Leigh Anne, Zachary, Cayla, Cathryn, Nicholas, and Sage,

While I didn't get to share the private bond and friendship of Micah and Michael, and I never took part in the little group of boys rough housing in my backyard as I looked, over the years, through my kitchen window and glanced at them all playing outside together, I do have some memories and impressions of your dear son that I want pass on to you. I hope it gives you some comfort. I know we had our ups and downs the last year or so, as all friends do, but please know that through it all I never stopped caring about you or your family. And I apologize for times I didn't handle things as well as I should have.

I loved Micah Jon. He was in the small and elite group of kids that feel like 'family' when they come into our home. Because he was so comfortable with us and himself, he made us feel comfortable back. Because he'd been friends with our Michael since age three or so, he felt like one of my own. He was a part of our lives for so many years, that although I try not to show it so much around you, there is a hole in my heart now too. I don't remember how it started, but for as long as I can remember, Micah called me "Aunt Trish" and I will dearly miss hearing that.

Since the trip we made to Disneyworld , which was the time the boys first met, Michael's favorite and best friend was always Micah. Nothing was as fun unless 'Micah' was there. They had their Power Ranger phase, the Ninja Turtle days, Star Wars times, and later they shared more mature things, like their passion for snowboarding. Both boys shared a love for reading and I would often hear them discussing a favorite book or one recommending a book to the other. They also shared a love for fun and mischief and many times would approach me at church with the "cat that swallowed the canary" look. When some of the other mothers looked at me with a little trepidation, I felt a quiet satisfaction that they were so active and smart and enthusiastic and funny-quite normal American boys!

But Micah wasn't just 'normal.' Micah always stood out of the crowd. He was a born leader, I think, because he wasn't afraid of what anybody thought. He made up his mind to do something and he did it. As a younger boy, he always seemed to have an exciting plan of action and the others boys followed along in awe. As a young man in his teens, he didn't have that awkwardness about him that comes with peer pressure. He'd look everyone straight in the eye with those beautiful eyes of his, and just say what he felt, and say it extremely articulately. Because he was oh so smart, he always had something interesting to say. There were many times when he would tell me an interesting fact or news item that I hadn't heard; he could make conversation that was appealing to me as an adult. He was able to do that while other boys visiting our home would only shyly say hi and avoid my presence as much as possible.

The older Micah got, the more he looked like his Dad. He had that way of standing real tall, shoulders back, head back, hands in the pockets, and pausing to think a little before he spoke. And yes, he had beautifully tousled hair. With the darkening of his hair, it was easy to see that he would be a carbon copy of Todd one day. Micah was very handsome, and from this mother's casual observance, he would have had no trouble finding just the right girl someday. In fact, he probably had to fend a few off!

Now he inherited his story-telling ability from his Mom. As soon as he would start a story, he had everyone hooked, including me. He had a real talent for that, and I imagine it made him a good writer too. Sometimes we'd start laughing before the ending, just because the "telling" was so funny. The really great thing was, that Micah himself enjoyed the storytelling; he was at his prime and having the most fun when he had a captive audience.

One of the many things that made Micah so special, was the way he treated people. It was a real testimony to his Mom and Dad's training and good examples. No matter what age a child was, whether four or eighteen, Micah talked to them as if they mattered, as if they had something to offer. Kids loved him for that. He was just about the only friend of Michael's that paid any attention to Andrew. Micah even called Andrew once to ask assistance with a biology assignment. Micah asked for Andrew's help in such a way that made Andrew feel very important. There were many times I remember when Micah would try to boost Andrew by saying how smart he was in front of a group of older kids. Micah had a very kind heart. He also had excellent manners. No matter what meal I served, whether a sandwich or something nice, he'd always say a real sincere "Thank you-that was good." Even though Michael considered Micah as his best friend, we all know Micah's very best friend in the world was his older brother Zachary. They had a bond that no friend could touch. Whenever Micah spoke to us about Zachary, you could see a glow of pride sweep across his face. He really looked up to Zachary, and as most younger brothers do, probably wished he were more 'like Zachary.'

Three of the most recent memories would be a shopping trip we made together, the snowboarding trip on Michael's 14th birthday, and the King's Island Home School day. The shopping trip was nothing special to begin with; just running some errands down at Fairfield, but it was special because Micah came with us. The kids all remember it as being a really fun day. Micah was at his best; telling stories, paying attention not only to Michael, but also to Andrew and Catherine. We had one of these mad--libs pads, where you secretly fill in different parts of speech to make a funny story . We were doing this in the car on the way there and back, and Micah was made us ALL laugh sooooo hard. The kids have brought it up several times, so I know it's a good memory of Micah.

I think there were about six boys that went to Mad River Mountain to snowboard together for Michael's birthday. John and I didn't stay and watch, so we weren't really a part of the fun, but I know that Micah and Michael enjoyed it, and had a chance to display some of their snowboarding finesse to the newer boarding enthusiasts.

The day we went to King's Island stands out to me because Michael and Micah and a few of the girls (Sarah, AnneMarie, Muraya and Shauna) had planned to pal around together, going on the rides, etc. Well, the story goes that a lot of the 'other' boys wanted to go along with the above mentioned girls, who are all very pretty, but apparently the girls wanted to go with Michael and Micah "only" and no one else. I think this gave the boys a good dose of confidence when they were feeling a little left out from some of the other kids. Not to mention, they had a blast that day. Michael would like to enlarge a picture from that day for his room. It was such a fun day for them. Michael had been planning a similar trip for this year.

Kids are always thinking ahead and planning what their adult lives will be like and Michael did that too. I know he planned that he and Micah would attend college together and maybe even get an apartment together before either married. And I have no doubt that Micah would have been chosen to stand up with Michael on the day Michael got married. They had a tight, loyal bond that was apparent to all.

My most personal memory of Micah may seem a little silly, but it's not to me. During the teen years, my Michael and I haven't gotten along so well; it seems we are always at odds with each other. When Michael has friends come over, I always sense he is a little embarrassed by me . I am not a "cool" Mom-like Leigh Anne and some of the others with more personality and charm. But whenever Micah Jon would come over, Michael seemed different. He did want me around then, because Micah wanted me around. Michael said to me on more than one occasion, "You know, Micah really likes you." Who wouldn't be heart warmed by that? I loved it and I will never forget it. And the funny thing was, not only did it make me feel good, but it helped Michael see me in a different light too. It didn't always last very long…..but Micah helped Michael see that his Mommy wasn't so bad after all. That was a gift Micah gave to me.

Sometimes our kids are different around different people and situations, and I hope you found something new in what I have written. I realize these words don't tell one percent of what all of you remember and loved about Micah, but I hope they add just a little joy to the tough road ahead of you. You are in our prayers and as much as we all miss Micah-and we do-we know Micah is in a better place, a superior dimension that this world cannot provide.