Happy Birthday Michael :-)

Happy Birthday Michael! This is me with my cousin Michael...Since I was an only child, Michael and his brother David were like brothers to me. In the photo below I was 8 years old and I remember being so thrilled that my aunt entrusted me to give Michael a bottle...it was a first for me and an honor that I took seriously! I wanted to tell her that I would do a good job, and that I wouldn't be careless. I didn't say any of those things, but I remember thinking them, and I remember feeling so proud here to be given such an important job!
Christmas Eve...showing Michael all the presents under the tree...
David and Michael playing in the snow. I always had such fun with these two special cousins, and would wait patiently at my window when they would make the 10 hour drive to northern CA to visit us. I have never grown out of that excitement when I know I will get to see "the boys!" Swimming in our new pool, circa 1980-something! I was SO happy that they were there this day...but then I was happy on ANY day that I got to see my cousins!
The three cousins posing in front of my new, "Yugo!" (Remember those?) As you can see, I have been fond of Michael and David for as long as I can remember!
The last time I saw Michael was at my mom's "Celebration of Life Luau" in Feb. I remember when they played a special DVD tribute to my mom that contained both old and current photos of our family. I felt so emotional when I saw all the memories, and realized that out of the hundreds of people there, Michael was the only other person in that room of my generation who lived through most of those years, and those memories with me.
My handsome cousin Michael, whom I still adore! :-)

Happy Birthday Michael...I miss and love you so very much!