One of Mike's lifetime goals was to take his entire family to the "Happiest Place on Earth," Walt Disney World. Two years ago he fulfilled this goal and took each of his five children, all of their spouses and children, and his wife Darin to Florida to experience happiness as a family. Mike may be gone, but those memories he made during his life will live on with those he cared for. Those cherished moments will serve as a reminder of his love and of his pursuit of happiness.
At his funeral service, as I was listening to each of his children stand and honor him with words of appreciation and respect, I couldn't help but hope that someday my children would speak similar words of me. I hope that Disney World, Disneyland, road trips, or whatever may end up being my go to memory-maker, will truly be what my children remember me for. Because it is during those trips, and those experiences, that we get as close to perfection as possible while on this earth.
The place we decide to make these memories is irrelevant, but the effort and devotion to make them is essential to their existence. Mike knew this, he lived his life making eternal memories with those he loves.
