In Loving Memory of

MICHAEL ANDREW STOCKL

‘MIKE’

 

 

 

Birthdate: 12-18-1979 Heaven Date: 09-19-2002

                                                                                                              

Michael was a beautiful little boy with big dark eyes, long eyelashes, dark hair and a smile that lit up his face.

He loved to play baseball and catch. He was a member of the “Nuggets, Tiny Soccer Team in 1986 and participated in Tae Kwondo in 1992 & 1993. He was an avid reader and connoisseur of movies. He graduated in 1998 from Eagle Academy with his high school diploma.

Each one of us could tell/or relate different stories about Michael.  My snap shot memories began in 1988. Michael was 9 years old. Uncle Edward and I stopped in Dallas to “meet the family”. I met Michael and we sat and talked about my travels. I gave Michael coins from South America, Europe and the Caribbean—Michael thought these were cool…

Michael was a bright young man who played chess in his head. He usually outmaneuvered the discussion at hand—always several plays ahead in his thinking ability and years beyond in his understanding of his disease process and what that held for his life.

I know some of you have said you never saw Michael smile enough. I guess I was blessed—I saw him laugh and smile a lot. During Michael’s sophomore year he came to live with our family for a short time. It was a good time for Michael as well as our family..It was a growing time…..

The commercial “ I love you man” was popular then—and our daughter Ari who was 5 decided to use it on Michael. Michael was drinking rootbeer and Ari wanted some-—just as Michael was walking down the hallway in his baggy jeans and dog chain belt—Ari suddenly blurted out “ I love you man”…Michael turned around and said “ What did she say? When told he busted up laughing…

Love Aunt Char

Photography by Michael Fetzer

Michael,

This picture says it all. My arm linked through yours forever. Someday my spirit will be right next to yours. It has been two years since you left us. A long time my son you are missed very much. I put another picture on your memorial stone of you at Noah’s party. You have on your black hat and earrings and the biggest smile I have ever seen. The big picture on your stone is one you have never seen. You are looking up to the sky with your thumb on your chin. Your dimples are showing along with a beautiful smile. Thank God Mike Fetzer took so many pictures of you for his photography class as I would be lost without them. The walls in our house are covered with your pictures. I had your name tattooed on my right arm on your one year anniversary at your favorite place the Phanthom Eight. This year I will have a butterfly that means eternity. I went to see a medium and was so glad to hear you were okay. Every parent in the world needs to know that their child is okay no matter where they are. She told me you were with a fatherly figure in uniform. Now I know you are with your Granddad who you loved so much. My mother was there and you finally got to meet her. She was a wonderful person. In January, your good friend Court joined you on the 19^th the same day of the month as you. I went to Court’s funeral and saw many of your friends. After the service, Travis took Court’s program to the cemetery and put it on top of your stone with a big rock so it would not blow away. It has been there for nine months. I have seen Court’s mom Bekki several times. She told me how she loved when you visited as you always made her laugh. She said she used to call you a “hunk” and you would get embarrassed. Bekki is going to put some of Court’s ashes next to your stone so you will be together.
I had a repairman in to fix your ceiling fan and the motor was gone. I told him to take it down but put the blades on my fan. You had put several fluorescent stars on them. Every night when I go to bed I can l look up and see you’re glowing stars.

Have you seen Demetrius our neighbors’ stepson? He died of CF three weeks after you did.

Brian and Heather had another son named Logan Michael in your honor. Now you have two nephews to watch over.

I think that sometimes you are still here. Are you the one who plays with the lights and the microwave? Do you leave me coins to find in the oddest places? I love to know your spirit is near after all we are only a breath away.

Love

Mom

           

 

 

  THE BROKEN CHAIN

 

We did not know that God was going to call your name. In life we loved your dearly

in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to loose you,  you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you,

You are  always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

 

Love Mom and Dad