Michael’s Spirit Lives On In All Of Us
by Stephanie Taylor

Son
From the moment he was born he brought joy to our family. He always had a smile, that unforgettable, somewhat crooked smile that I called "the Mike smile". Looking back on our childhood, I just can't seem to think of a time that Mike ever did anything wrong. It's probably because Mike didn't have time to get into trouble, he was too busy reading encyclopedias from cover to cover or working on a project to test out his newfound knowledge. If dad asked something of Mike, he did it, usually without question. If mom needed help with us kids, he was always there to lend a hand. He always did his homework and never needed any help, if anything, he would often be teaching dad something new. Mike was a son who took after his father in many, many ways and because of that, through our dad's personality, knowledge, laughter and smile, Mike will live on.

Brother
God blessed me by putting Mike into this world to be my big brother. We were only a short 11 months apart, but to me, my big brother was everything. When I was six and Mike was seven our dad got remarried and with our new mom came the bonus of a new brother. Instantly the three of us bonded, we were inseparable - although sometimes I think the boys probably wanted me to run off and play with my dolls so they could plot against me. The three of us had several years together to bond, grow together, and grow on each other's nerves, before the rest of the "Taylor Clan" started coming along. Mike was a wonderful big brother to all of us and in one way or another he influenced a part of who we are today. When I think of Mike and his love for hunting or being outdoors, I instantly think of Rob. When I think of Mike and his love for tattoos and body piercing I see him in Rachel. Tattoos and body piercing aren't exactly something most parents would want their child to be remembered for, but, I don't think mom and dad will mind. Mike's natural intelligence will live on through Bridget who has the exact same gift of knowledge that Mike had. Mike's love for movies and computer games will come to life every time Mattson plays his computer or watches a DVD. For me, it is the caring, sensitive side and my unconditional love for people that Mike will live through in me. Mike left a little piece of himself behind in all his siblings and it's when we are doing those things that we will smile and know he is always with us.

Husband/Father
My brother was an awesome husband who was very loyal and loving to his wife and a wonderful father who knew no greater gift of love than the love he had for his son. The only father/son bond that I know of that was as awesome as the bond Mike shared with his son Anthony, was the bond Mike shared with our dad. Whenever Mike and I spoke on the phone or traded emails, he talked about what he and Anthony had done that weekend or what they would be doing next. Although Anthony is young, I am certain the strong foundation that my brother gave him will enable Anthony to grow up to be the kind of caring and loving person that his dad was.

Friend
My brother wasn’t just a brother, he was my friend and at times, my best friend. To be Mike’s friend was not a hard thing to do because he had no ‘requirements’. Mike was outgoing, fun, witty, intelligent, caring, sensitive and most of all unconditional with his love. Any friend of Mike’s will mourn his loss like we as his family do because the people Mike invited into his life as his friends weren’t just his friends, they were his family too.


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