Michael’s enthusiasm was his super power.
I’ve seen him time and again encounter someone on the street or in a restaurant and watch with fascination as he started a conversation as if he’d known that unsuspecting individual his whole life. To his close ones, he’d give freely and joyfully the words he relished offering, “Welcome to the family.” When he saw Sophia, he’d almost yell her name as exclamation points punctuated and dove through the air toward her. Right to her heart.
He unfurled a fire hose of delight and drenched you in it. It could knock you over. You might fall over from his blast and not be able to stand up but he’d extend himself with those huge hands of his, and his heart, and start again.
I never saw Michael give up on anyone. His heart was a big as the ocean and he happily sailed over it without reservation, fear or second thoughts. He just jumped headfirst into life, as if it were made for him.
We all were lucky enough to see Michael dig deep down into the rich, loamy, sweet, stinking, soil of life with those great hands of his. Scooping up huge fistfuls of vitality, throwing it up high into the air; his joy of simply being alive raining down on us.
He wrapped his iron like arms around anyone who came within reach.
He didn’t let go.
What a treasure.
My heart goes out to those who loved him so well, especially "the best kids in the world."