Michael was nine years older than me.  We had another wonderful brother who died in 1968 during the Vietnam war, his name was  Douglas and he was one year older than Michael.   I actually had two hero's in my life, one that fought for our country and lost his life so we could live free and another that showed me how to accept your life with whatever comes your way.   Michael was different all his life.  He was as some say "a savant"  He remembered everything.   You could ask him about history or sports and he could answer, and if he didnt know the answer, the next time you saw him, he would have researched your question and would have your answers.  

Last November, Michael lost his eyesight, but did'nt lose his spirit.   He then lost his leg but that still did'nt keep him down, he was determined to get a prosthesis.  He tried so hard with the physicial therapy staff.  But all of this did'nt keep him down.  He was happy and talking, listening to his sports on his transistor radio.  Still talking to everyone about history and sports.  Oh and let's add a little bit about Ireland too.  

If the nurses and staff at the Nursing Home  walked into a room, he had their voices memorized and would call out to them by name.  In the Hospital, the 7 times he was there in the past five months, he would remember their names for each shift and 95% of the time have it correct.  They were amazed.   

When losing his second leg in February, he said "well I am still alive"  Anyone else would have gave up, not Michael, he kept trying, tying to get better.

Well Michael it's ok you can see, you can walk, you can dance.  You are truly my HERO  I am proud to call you my brother.   One day I will see you and Douglas again.   Until then you are in my heart 

I love you