Michele March 1, 1965 -- June 19, 1999

This was written and read by Michele's brother at her funeral service. I could never write a more beautiful tribute.

God saw she was getting tired
And a cure was not to be.
So he wrapped his arms around her
And whispered, "Come with me."
A golden heart stopped beating
Hard working hands put to rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.

"When I asked Michele if I could say something at her funeral, she told me I could as long as I didn't talk about the past. She said life is too short to dwell in the past. I honor her wishes by talking about how each of you can take a little of Michele into the future.

IF YOU ARE A STUDENT: Be hungry to learn everyday. Be creative, have confidence, and never make fun of others. Show respect, be a volunteer, get involved in your school and community. Be polite and, above all, have fun.

IF YOU ARE A TEACHER: Have an unmistakeable passion for what you do. Do everything you can to motivate the kids who think they can't do it. Challenge the kids who think they CAN do it. Be creative, teach life skills along the way ... like neatness, hard work, good attendance, politeness and respect. Get involved, stand up for your convictions, take pride in extracurricular activities.

IF YOU ARE A FRIEND: Be loyal, dependable, take time to visit, write and email on a regular basis. Be as proud of your friends children as you are of your own. Be a friend who walks in when everyone else walks out. Give unconditional assistance, hug your friends. Forget about what you have given and remember what you have BEEN given.

IF YOU ARE A FAMILY MEMBER: Family always comes first. Organize a family outing. Get your children to do a play at Christmas. Make your extended family not feel extended. Write letters from the heart to say "Thanks" and "I love you." Send homemade birthday cards. Let your family enjoy your children, too. Show lots of affection. Make new family members feel like old ones. Be unselfish, be a giver of time, money, or whatever else is needed.

IF YOU ARE A SISTER: Protect your brother all his life. Never be a fair-weathered sister ... in fact, be at your best when the weather is stormy. Late night phone calls are met with unconditional love, not irritation. Try April Fools jokes. Be his best friend all his life.

IF YOU ARE A DAUGHTER: Be independent, but let your mom and dad know how much you need them and love them. Give your mother the greatest tribute by trusting her with your children. Want to spend time with your mom not only as a mother, but also as your friend. Thank your mom for picking such a perfect dad. Thank your dad for being so wonderful and having such a contagious laugh. Thank your mom and dad for making you who you are today.

IF YOU ARE A WIFE: Feel blessed by your husbands love. Call your husband "Superman" for everything he does for you. Communicate. Let your husband cook for you and thank him for it. Tell him often how devoted he is to his family. Travel as a family, but enjoy trips together without the children, too. Be romantic and mushy. Tell his and your family how great your husband is. Make sure he knows how wonderful your life has been since your first date.

IF YOU ARE A MOM: Have unconditional love. Your children are your life. Demand family dinner time and don't answer the phone during dinner. Tuck your children in every night. Have patience. Teach your children how wonderful books are and how worthless TV is, that cucumbers taste as good as Twinkies, and that being smart is not as important as working hard. Be optimistic. There is no adversity that cannot be overcome.

Finally, please give as much time and money as you can to find a cure for cancer so the world doesn't have to lose any more people like Michele."

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