My Friend Mike (Help for his family)

On Sunday, July 14th, my best friend Mike passed away at 34 years old. It was very unexpected. We who loved him have been left completely shocked and heartbroken. I can’t begin to tell you what an important person he was in all of our lives. He had such a magnetic personality. So warm, charming and funny. So kind. He would do anything for you and always offer a helping hand. We have gone through many hard times together and were always there for each other. Now is the hardest time of all, and I wish so much that he were here.

Mike has left behind a wife, and a son, to whom I am the godfather. A sweet and wonderful boy, Marcel. He was the light of Mike’s life. He was so proud of that boy, and so grateful for him. They had the kind of bond all fathers and sons could wish for. I look at Marcel and I see so much of Mike already, at six years old. I know he’s going to grow up to have all the best qualities his dad had.

Mike and I would have long conversations, we would vent to each other about problems in life, we would talk about our hopes for the future. We were close and we considered each other brothers. We were a family, the 3 of us. He always told me if something ever happened to him, to take care of his son and wife and see them through this hard time. I never thought such a day would arrive. But it is here. And I am asking for help.

Mike did not have any kind of insurance, and unfortunately like all too many of us, he was working paycheck to paycheck. He had no emergency savings to leave. Funeral costs are needed, but his wife and son desperately need support right now because he was the sole breadwinner of the household. Mike had an enormous amount of debt left behind, and we are all very worried about how we are going to manage it.

I know this is asking a lot but this goal is to just keep our heads above water. I’m going to support as much as I can on my end but I can only offer so much myself. I want Marcel to be safe and to be taken care of and honor Mike’s wishes. I want to be able to tell Marcel one day that the world loved his dad so much they all came together to help him. If you can find it in your hearts to donate to this cause any amount you can, just know it will be helping the sweetest, most special little boy in the world.

I wish you all could have known Mike like I did. Known what a great man he was and what a loving father, husband, and dear friend he was. I wish I could express how lost we all feel without him. It’s impossible. Mike, you were not my blood but you were brother. I love you so much. I’ll miss you so much. I will look after Marcel for you.