Wednesday, November 25, 2009

R.I.P. MIKEY

Today has NOT been a good day. First thing I woke up to today was a call from a dear friend, informing me that our mutual friend, a guy I've known since high school, very suddenly passed away yesterday.

Mikey and I were by no means "best" friends, but we've been in each other's orbits for at least 15+ years. We're the same age. We graduated together. He dated one of my best friends. But more importantly, he was on overall great, great guy.

And now he's gone.

The reason why is that he had a heart condition; years ago he had open heart surgery to correct it. During that time was when one of my best friends was dating him - and she helped nurse him back to health.

Their romantic relationship didn't last more than a year, but still - and I'm NOT feeling sorry for myself, but I had to break the news to her about Mikey's death today...I'm really torn up. To say nothing of her reaction.

Here's how I'd like to remember him, which is also one of the most fun times I had hanging with him. Back when I used to live at my Dad's place, north burbs, in a fucking gated community, Mikey, a group of his friends and my bud's all went back to my place to continue drinking.

Problem was, I either forgot the gate clicker or it ran out of juice. Either way, Mikey wedged the Chevy Suburban he was driving, around the exit gate (with me holding the fucking thing up for added clearance) and we then all had a FUCKING PARTY.

Out of respect for him and his family, I'll elect not to go into greater detail about what happened, but I will say: he IS an awesome guy who I'll miss very, very, very much. Just writing this has made me bawl my eyes out.

Sorry for the morose tone before the holidays, but I had to write something.

6 comments:

Dean Grey said...

Oh Justin!

I'm very sorry to hear this.

This must be devastating news for Mikey's family. For him to die so close to Thanksgiving is going to be very hard on them. The holidays always remind me of family members that are no longer with us.

What a mess to have to pass on the news to your other friend.

It sounds terrible to say but at least his passing wasn't a complete shock in that he did have a heart condition. I know that DOES NOT lessen the bad news in ANY WAY but hopefully Mikey's parents can make it through all right.

My condolences to Mikey's family and friends.

Hang in there, Justin!!

-Dean

Jay said...

Sorry to hear that

j

Unknown said...

Sorry about the loss of your friend... just take the time today to be thankful for all the great memories he has left you... take care...

Devyn said...

Justin,

Sorry to hear the news. It is always more difficult to process when the loss is so sudden and unexpected.

I will keep you and his family in my thoughts.

jason said...

oh wow...so sorry.
God bless him.

Anonymous said...

Caro Justino,

Sorry for the loss. Hope you are able to attend memorial/funeral. Sharing good times remembered with friends helps assuage feelings of loss.
Mikey lives forever in your heart.

Alex