My darling Michael, today will always be about you, beautiful you. Sending all my love to you on your 21st birthday. I imagine all the things we would be doing together today … hanging the birthday banner, baking your favorite yellow cake with chocolate icing, pulling out the “it’s your special day” plate, sharing one of your favorite dinners, watching you make a wish and blow out 21 candles and, on this milestone birthday … opening a very special bottle of wine that your Grandpere bought to be shared on special occasions with his grandsons. Dad and I will be toasting you, our amazing youngest son tonight as we open this wine and wonder how you and your Grandpere will be celebrating this day together.

Michael, we love and miss you more than words could ever express. The deep pain of losing you is a pain that never goes away and is even more profound on these special days. I want you to know that we are holding on tightly to all the love, joy, affection and laughter that you poured on us for 16 years and 8 months. Oh how thankful we are for each and every second of our time together. Your zest for life, loving ways, passion, courage and gorgeous smile are written all over our hearts and, your beautiful light continues to shine so brightly through the life-saving work of just1mike.

Happy Heavenly birthday my sweet sweet boy. I love you, I miss you and I could really use one of your “BIG HUGS” today sweetheart, ❤️Mom