My life was blessed on May 7, 1980 with the birth of my son, Michael. He was the youngest of four children with two sisters, Michelle and Nicole and a brother Gary. Michael was such a happy baby, always smiling. He was an affectionate child and had such a great disposition. He would share anything he had with others, a new toy or last piece of candy. Michael always liked to tag along with me no matter how old he got or where I was going. I went through a divorce when he was about 3 years old and if he caught me crying he would hug and console me!

Michael was a good student and received several awards for Math, Spelling and Perfect Attendance. In February of 1991 Michael became an uncle. He wrote in his school journal that year that the day his niece Cassy was born was the happiest day in his life! Michael played baseball from the time he was 4 until the age of 15. He was quite a “slugger”. He also played youth basketball for years; his room is full of his many trophies.

My son acquired the nickname of “Binky” as a teenager, and we all eventually called him that. Michael was very funny and loved to make his sisters and brother laugh at him. He was very outgoing and had many friends. He liked to fish and go watch the sunset. He loved music, and loved to dance. He talked of wanting to become a DJ someday.

When Gary went off to college Michael was the only child left at home. He was worrying about what I would do when he went off on his own. He didn’t want me to be alone. Michael hadn’t pushed the drivers license issue too much, so I didn’t either. After having 3 other children driving, I wasn’t in any hurry for Michael to be on the road. Finally in March of 1999 it was time for him to take his test for a license. He was grinning from ear to ear when he passed the test. Now I started worrying. I gave him my old car, which he drove till the engine blew up and then we bought him his very own car. Most nights I would wait up for him to come home. I would get this pit in my stomach until I heard him come in. Then on May 7th he had his 19th birthday and started a job at a local pizza place. Life seemed to be going good for Michael. My brown-eyed, tow-headed child had grown up to be a 6-foot tall, handsome young man with his whole life ahead of him.

That Thursday night, Michael went to the teen dance club like he did most weeks. He didn’t always drive, but that night he did. I will never forget the way he looked as he drove off that night. Little did I know it would be the last time I ever saw my Michael.

I was awakened that night by a knock at the door at 4:30am. I thought at first that Michael forgot his key. Then I saw a Florida Highway Patrolman standing in the dark and fear overcame me. He asked to come inside, and my breath became shallow. I was then told of the fatal accident, which took my son’s life. No, this couldn’t be, not my son, not My Michael, He is only 19!

There is no greater loss than loosing a child. Now for the rest of my life I have to live with this tragic nightmare. I wake up each day having to face the fact that my Michael is gone. All I have left of my son now are cherished memories. I wait for the day that I will join Michael, a joyous day that will be!

There were over 200 friends and family members at Michael’s funeral. It was a wonderful tribute to my son. He was and still is loved by so many.

These poems are for My Michael.
This first one was written by
a very good friend of Michael's,
and she read it at his funeral.
BINKY was Michael's nickname.
All the kids called him that.

~BINKY~

We have been friend for many years,
When you lost your life I shed a lot of tears.
I sit down and think of the past,
Oh boy, did we have a blast!
Your smile, heart and sensitive touch,
Will live on with us so very much.
I can't believe you're really gone,
Your time down here is done.
Now you're up there in the sky,
With the worlds most greatest guy.
Looking down at what we do,
And knowing that we're THINKING OF YOU!!!

LOVE ALWAYS,
TONYA ANN RICHARDSON




~IRREPLACEABLE~

Peace and love fills the air,
just wondering if there is
anything else than to just care.
A part of the world has been taken away,
a piece of our hearts has been stolen,
The only way to cope is to believe
HE was the lucky one to be chosen.
With angels above and Jesus upon us,
we shall shed no tears or feel no fear,
for we know he is here and so deeply he does care.
As what seems now as a great mistake,
could have easily been my Dear Brothers' fate.
Life takes it's course
and there's nothing one can do,
sometimes it hurts but that we will hopefully loose.
A Brother will be missed,
and a part of a family will never heal,
with friends and family they can take away what we feel.
"BINKY" has been a part of our lives,
a part where we all made a place,
for now and for eternity
there's a part in our hearts that could never be replaced!

Written by Gary L. Bingamen II




~His Journey's Just Begun~

Don't think of him as gone away---
His Journey's just begun.
Life holds so many facets---
This earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting---
From the sorrows and the tears.
In a place of warmth and comfort---
Where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing---
That we could know today....
How nothing but our sadness can truly pass away.
And think of him as living---
in the hearts of those he loved.
For NOTHING loved is ever lost---
AND HE WAS LOVED SO VERY MUCH.

Author unknown

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