Backing up, the people in the photo is of one of my really good friends, Michael "TK" Norris, and his wonderful wife Brandie. Back in High School, Mike was kind of my "body guard" and one of the few "Jocks" I could tolerate being around. When he Married Brandie, they were so happy in love, it was obvious they were made for each other.
I was a little sad when I found out that Mike had joined the Army, that meant I wouldn't get to see him for a while, or get to know his wife better. I didn't hear from Mike for a while, a few years in fact, then REAL early one New Years Day, I got a call from him. He said he was stationed in Germany, and just wanted to talk. Though it was exhausted, I talked to him for a few hours, then we went our separate ways.
I found him last month after searching for him for years. I didn't get to physically chat him up or see him, but we sent a few text messages back and forth. This morning, when I got online, I found that I got a message. I don't get these very often, and so it was like opening a gift on Christmas Day. That delight quickly got shot to the ground, when I read what it said. My buddy Mike, had passed away. I do not know how, but his wife took the time to tell me about it, that she didnt' know my phone number and will get in touch with me to tell me when his funeral is and what not. I was planning with his wife, to visit in August for a weekend, to get reacquainted and catch up on the things that've been going on in our lives over the last few years. I know that I'll get past this in time, and just because he has moved on from this Earth, doesn't mean I 'm gonna stop talking to his widow and change my plans for a visit. RIP Mike, thank you for touching my life like you did, guys like you are extremely hard to find and I will miss you. Brandie, Dave and I will always be here for you if you need us!
