I have been blessed in my life with many a fine friend and some really special family members, it’s true. Some of which I get to spend infrequent time with but when we do it’s always over the top. Stevie was one of those.
Steven Michael, aka “Stevie” was my first cousin once removed on my maternal grandmother’s side, the son of my Uncle Cliff and Aunt Ella Belle. He was always jovial, had a smile on his face and something ornery up his sleeve.
He used to drive a flashy little sports car. In my teen years this was important. Who am I kidding, this is still important. When he would come up to visit his mother and we’d all get together, there were Scrabble and Yahtzee games and hours of funny stories and silliness. He and my Mother had a special bond.
He was an outspoken fella. But he would sit and dialogue with you, even if you had a different opinion (even if you were wrong he might say, lol).
Steve was a great guy. A kind heart.
He loved Jesus.
Believed in liberty.
A freedom fighter.
He crossed oven into his rest this morning at 12:50 AM CDT. He is missed already. He joins his parents, his daughter Jenni, numerous Aunties and Uncles, countless loved-ones.
He leaves us behind, those of us who loved him as family and friends. Those who will carry Steve in our hearts and share him with the rest of the world in a myriad of different ways, until we join him.
Blessed memory.
When All That’s Left Is Love
(by Rabbi Allen S. Maller)
When I die
If you need to weep
Cry for someone
Walking the street beside you.
You can love me most by letting
Hands touch hands, and Souls touch souls.
You can love me most by
Sharing your Simchas (goodness) and
Multiplying your Mitzvot (acts of kindness).
You can love me most by
Letting me live in your eyes
And not on your mind.
And when you say Kaddish for me
Remember what our
Torah teaches,
Love doesn’t die People do.
So when all that’s left of me is love
Give me away.
GoFundMe for Steve’s final expenses.
Photo credits: Steve’s friends, family and himself.
Alaska on my mind... 