See you later

See You Later Memorial Stone

One of Michael’s most predictable things he would say would be “later Ma!”. This time he added “love ya”. I actually took a moment and thought about it. At 15, I wonder how many boys tell their Mom that? I smiled. Those were the last words he said to me.

Sounds cliche to say that the funeral was a blur. It actually was slow motion. Just motions. Family and friends coming in from all over the country. Before I knew it I had a house full of people as I prepared for Michael’s funeral. Family I hadn’t seen or spoken to in so long. Why did we wait til now for this reunion?

It became very important for me to iron Michael’s clothes. He had a “Doors” shirt that he loved. I bought it at “Army Navy” in Canton. And these hideous orange jeans he loved. My family were all standing around watching me iron my son’s clothes, for the last time. I could see such sadness in their eyes. Hurt me to see so many hurt. He was 15! Why the would GOD do this to a child? He’s just begun. He has goals on earth! So how long is later?

Michael’s funeral service was to be held at a Catholic church. I was asked what music. Michael loved Led Zeppelin. His favorite song was “Stairway to Heaven”, also one of my favorites as a teen. The priest declined to have the organist play “Stairway to Heaven”. Said it was evil. I begged and cried with my heart more upset. He said “absolutely not”, and harshly hung up. The organist was still on the phone. She was crying. She said you will have it. As we were walking behind Michael’s casket... beautifully done… “Stairway to Heaven” To this day, this song comes up when I am down. Michael is with me!

I don’t recall the words of the priest at the cemetery before we buried him. Only the words I told a friend. He stood up and spoke about Michael. He said he recalls me talking about when Michael was in third grade. The teacher had called. She told Helen, “I have good news and bad news. What do you want first”? Helen chose bad. She said Michael wrote a swear word on the playground. Now the good news! He spelled it right! There was laughter at the place Michael’s body will rest. What he would want. That’s my boy!

I thought these last four days were the worst in my life. I had no idea that the hardest is on the way. See ya later

Until we meet again…