Natalie wanted me to start a blog for those bloggers out there (or those who want their first experience in blogging) as a way to express how you feel, post pictures, write down favorite memories, offer condolences, and anything else that you feel like dedicating to Mike and his family. Eventually, we will take all the blogs and make Natalie a book to keep and cherish with everyones fondest memories and stories of Mike. This will be a precious keepsake for her and her kids. She will see how Mike has left his legacy in this world. This will also be a way to keep everyone updated as to how Natalie and the family are doing, and dates of important events coming up. I will also try to include links to the food sign-up calendar, and the address for donations. Please keep the family in your thoughts in the upcoming days and weeks. The world has just lost an incredible man. He will be deeply missed.
Allison Porter
**Try to remember to sign off with your name, because sometimes it just leaves email addresses otherwise and we will not know who left the comment. Thanks.
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ReplyDeleteMike was one of the few people that I have literally known all of my life. One of my earliest memories is of my family visiting the Odettes in Arizona when I was about 2 years old and Mike had shown me his pet lizards. I fell in love with those lizards and he was nice enough to take me to them whenever I would ask "can we go see the Buzzards?"
ReplyDeleteHe was also the one to give me my first beer when I was about 14 (and I think that may have been in Salt Lake City where beer is like gold).
I remember finding photo evidence of him (and the other usual suspects) participating in the debauchery that goes on at the annual Sanchez fishing trips.... There are reasons that women are not invited on those trips ;)
I also remember back when Mike and Natalie were in high school and just beginning their journey together.
These memories will be held close to my heart. Mike was a very good man that left us too soon but he will be remembered with lots of love by those that knew him.
Emily Fennell
Where do you even begin? So many memories... I will start by saying that Mike was a true friend and family man. He made me laugh every time that he and I spoke. Mike will truly be missed by everyone that had the opportunity to have their hearts touched by him.
ReplyDeleteI can remember the first time that I stayed over at his house in 9th grade. Mike's mom made the best chocolate chip cookies and from then on, all Mike had to say for me to come over was that his mom made chocolate chip cookies Haha! But it was those cookies and time that I spent at his house that that let me get to know him and continue to be great friends with him.
There are so many memories to mention, whether it's the music we listened to togehter(Ghetto Boys to Smashing Pumpkins)or the times we spent on the playing field. My most recent memories of Mike are when he used to ride with me at work in the police car. Mike would often tell me what cars to pull over and what to say to people; it was like he was a junior policeman in a grown man's body.
I can still remember when Mike and Natalie went on their first date.... soooo long ago. Remember all the times we went bowling,Natalie? I think it was called "Rock n Bowl". The list goes on and on of the fun times we shared!
I am gonna miss Mike and he will forever be in my heart and in my soul!
Jared Arthur
The first time I met Mike is when I went out to my Cousin Ashley's wedding, and I stayed with my cousin Natalie and Mike in their beautiful home. Mike was so warm and friendly and welcoming. He was so much fun to be around. He was always smiling and laughing. Natalie and Mike were such a good fit together, and you could tell they were truly in love. Mike will never be forgotten...in everyone he touched memories were left. He continues to live on in his beautiful children. Mike, you will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteConnie Gelman
Mesa State was never the same after we were done with it. My best memories of Mike are when we lived in the dorms together. We tore that place up. Luckily for him, I told Nat I would help take care of him, which included doing his laundry (crusty football uniform and all). Mesa Mavs forever! I can still here your silly laugh and I will keep you in my heart. Rest in Peace, Mike, you are safe with God.
ReplyDeleteMikey, my favorite cousin in-law. You became my family and your loss hurts me more than anything I've ever felt before. My best memories of you are holiday gatherings. You always managed to make fun of me the majority of the time during the gatherings. I had finally met my match, and then some! I still remember one of the last things you said to me the last time I saw you. You were poking me in the face with that rolled up piece of paper and said, "I bet you're not used to getting poked in the face with long pointy things." And I replied, "That's what you think." You could always keep me laughing. I love you and will miss you so much, but you will always be in my heart. I promise to always be a part of Nat & the kid's lives and to teach the kids as must about you as I can. You give the next life something to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteErin
Mikey D. How you were loved. I don’t think you had any idea what an admiration I had for you ~ I regret that. You had such a way of making me feel special. Your eyes gave off the softest light that made me feel loved….I’m sorry I never told you that. You made me laugh every time I saw you…I will never forget that about you! (Big Bad Wolf). Your simple innocence and love for others will always be one of the many reasons I loved you so much. I loved you not only for who YOU were, but also for who you represented…Aunt Sue and Uncle Mike. What a LOVELY little family you were. Some of my favorite people. The times I spent staying at your house are some of my favorite childhood memories. The days of playing together for hours at a time in Grandma & Po’s basement will forever be with me. Those are memories that will never be forgotten. I love you. I miss you.
ReplyDeleteI didn't really know Mike all too terribly well, however, he was one of my husband's closest friends throughout high school and into adult years. One memory really stands out in my mind is when Natalie and Mike brought Makayla home from the hospital. We had gone over to the Odette house to welcome little Makayla and the look Mike had in his eyes was simply unforgettable. His eyes sparkled and his smile was big and bold as he held Makayla in his arms. I remember he looked a bit teary eyed, as though he had been waiting for this moment his entire life, to become a daddy. That was a priceless moment, seeing that little bundle of joy wrapped up in the arms of her daddy. Mike was taken home too soon, however he's in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior. I hope that can bring some peace and comfort to those who were left behind.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve been privileged to know the Odette Family for almost 35 years and have watched as the family progressed and grew. We’ve been fortunate to have them as our friends.
ReplyDeleteWe all enjoyed seeing Mike, Natalie, Makayla and Mikey at Fargo’s again this year on Thanksgiving weekend. Mike’s face beamed with pride and he was so attentive with Natalie and the kids.
We feel Mike’s loss so dearly because he brightened our lives so well. I was reminded of this quote:
“Loss and possession, death and life are one,
There falls no shadow where there shines no sun. “ -Hilaire Belloc
A few of the words that we would use to describe Mike are: gentle, thoughtful and fun-loving.
Mike liked weekend fishing trips with the boys. He would jerk the other guys’ fishing lines so they would think they had a fish on and one of his favorite fishing expressions was “Got one!”
Mike outgrew his nickname, but he’ll always be “Mikey” to us.
Larry and Ginny Fennell
I think my most powerful memory of Mikey is sitting in Mr. Moos' chemisrty class (which of course we hated) and him telling me he was thinking of asking Natalie to our Junior Prom. Still together after all these years! Who knew what an amazing life they would lead together?
ReplyDeleteOver the years, I have cherished the times we have spent together, and I will always remember you with a smile. You were part of some of my most memorable occasions, and I will miss you always.
Dawn Falcone
The first time I met Mike was in high school autoshop class. Thanks to Mike, I know how to change a tire! Mike always bragged to me about how wonderful of a girlfriend Natalie was...who knew they would end up getting married!
ReplyDeleteThere are many things I remember about Mike, especially his big smile and generous nature. He was an amazing husband, father, son, and friend. He will be missed!
Ashley Leary
Mikey... I really can't believe that this is real.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I first met you and your family... I was so nervous because not only was I meeting Will's family for pretty much the first time; but it was at your wedding! But, you were the first one to make me feel so welcomed and a part of that wonderful celebration... we just hit it off immediately. I have always looked so forward to seeing you, Nat, and your beautiful kids at every event... and I just get so excited for you to say, "Hey, Sum!" and give me one of your big bear hugs... what will I do without them now?
My mind has been racing with memories; the coffee, sunrise, and talking on the porch at the cabin; the night when God welcomed your mother into heaven; holidays/celebrations; the loving look on your face whenever you would talk about Nat; seeing you hold your first child and then again holding your boy... I could go on and on. I will so much miss your smile, your humor, your shoulder to cry on, your ear to vent to, your example of how to love those around you with everything you have... I am just going to miss irreplacable YOU.
You will never know how much you helped me through one of the toughest battles I have ever faced in my life... and I want you to know that all of the daily phone calls and words of support and concern are a major reason that I am at this beautiful place in my life now. I believe with all of my heart that you were an angel put into my life when I felt alone and scared to take the next right step. There is no way for me to put into words my gratitude for this and the many other times that you have been there for me. I am going to just miss you soooo much. I will always think of you when I hear a Blink song... thanks for everything. See you...
Nat... you also have just been such an accepting and loving person to me. I can't thank you enough. When I joined your family, God truly gave me a gift in all of you. I promise to be there whenever you or the kiddos need me for anything! You guys are not alone in this... I love you so much!
Summer
We met Natalie way back in grade school. Through all these years, we have been honored to be a part of something that this day and age is very rare. There is a group of us girls from high school who hung out together, cried together, laughed together, and got busted together. Today, we still cry together, hang out together, laugh together, but instead of GETTING busted together, now we are busting our own kids together. Mandy, Diana, Chere, Dayle, Lindsay, Karenmarie, and myself have been through thick and thin with Natalie and Mike. Since the day Mike “asked her out” he has essentially had 8 girlfriends, then 8 fiances, and then 8 wives (God bless him). And Mike accepted and loved every one of us. We were there the day that Mike asked Natalie on her first date, then to prom, then to homecoming, then to prom again, then to homecoming again, then to prom AGAIN. We were there when he asked Natalie to be his bride, we were there during the hard days of Mike’s parents passing, we were there when they had their beautiful children. There will be many many more “we were there when’s”, and within every one of those statements, Mike will always have his place with us.
ReplyDeleteSometimes in the sadness of what is happening, and the hustle bustle of offering help, we all tend to forget to stop and really think of Mike, and everything he is to us. To reflect upon the times he made you laugh, made you cry, made you mad, and even made you a little of who you are today. One of my favorite songs is by a Christian artist named Nicole Nordeman, and in it she says “I want to leave a legacy. How will they remember me? Did I choose to love?” You can see by the amount of people here, that Mike has left a legacy in all of us, in his beautiful wife, and in his kids. He DID choose to love each and every one of us, and we all will continue to love him forever. Let’s take a moment to sit in stillness, with open hearts, and reflect upon Mike’s life. I would like to invite each and every one of you to simply listen to the encouragement that Jesus brings to us, pray for Mike, pray for his family, and just simply delight in every memory that Mike has left for you.
When I sat down to write my speech, I didn’t know where to begin. I thought to myself should I start off with Mike’s last text to me, “happy God day, kell” or should I tell everyone that I used to always make sure my toe nails were painted whenever I was going to be around Mikey, because he loved and noticed when women painted their toe nails. I don’t know where to begin…so guess I will start of by telling you this….
ReplyDeleteMy name is Kelly Parker and I have known Mikey for 16 years- yes, half my life. My husband, Neil, and Mike have known each other since the 8th grade and have been best friends ever since. Natalie and I have known each other since grade school and really became good friends after we began dating our husbands. We became best couple friends!
Neil and I have had many wonderful memories with Mike and Nat.
I would love to share with you all the memories we have had together but I would take up the rest of the day. So, I want to briefly say to Mikey how thankful I am that I got to...
Travel to Mexico and Hawaii with you, camp with you, boat with you, party with you, celebrate the holidays with you, have you stand as our Best Man in our wedding, be part of your wedding, see each of our children be born, hold your hand when you lost your mom and then your dad, and lastly I am thankful for all the wonderful date nights with you and Nat. Most of all, I am thankful I had all those morning talks with you this past year. I am thankful that I have been able to share so many wonderful memories with such and outstanding man.
Mike was an outstanding son, husband, father, cousin, nephew and friend. Even though we nicked named him Doom and Gloom Mike always wore a smile and always had something to laugh about. He was a jokester! He was a just a big kid. What I loved the most about Mike is how loving he was. He always listened and always hugged! He not only told you he loved you but he showed it with everything he did. Mike was one of those people who touch your life in a very special way. I am blessed to have known him, I am blessed to have all the wonderful memories with him, I am blessed to call him my friend.
Mikey, if you can hear me up there, I ask that you protect your family while in the Heavens above; I ask that you comfort them with God’s peace and love. I ask that you shine down on all of us who love you, use your angel wings to guide us and to continue loving us. May God be with you and you with Him.
Everytime I hear this song, I think of you and Makayla! It's so true! Fishing to you was everything Mikey and I may not know anything about it, but I will make sure Makayla and Mikey D both continue to do what you love!!
ReplyDeleteI love you Mikey, I miss you so much!
Your little sister,
Ash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IheODRwalEw&NR=1
Trace Adkins, Just Fishin'
I’m lost in her there holdin’ that pink rod and reel
She’s doin’ almost everything but sittin’ still
Talkin’ ‘bout her ballet shoes and training wheels
And her kittens
And she thinks we’re just fishin’
I say, “Daddy loves you, baby” one more time
She says, “I know. I think I got a bite.”
And all this laughin’, cryin, smilin’ dyin’ here inside’s
What I call, livin’
And she thinks we’re just fishin’ on the riverside
Throwin’ back what we could fry
Drownin’ worms and killin’ time
Nothin’ too ambitious
She ain’t even thinkin’ ‘bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’
She’s already pretty, like her mama is
Gonna drive the boys all crazy
Give her daddy fits
And I better do this every chance I get
‘Cause time is tickin’
(Yeah it is)
And she thinks we’re just fishin’ on the riverside
Throwin’ back what we could fry
Drownin’ worms and killin’ time
Nothin’ too ambitious
She ain’t even thinkin’ ‘bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’
She ain’t even thinkin’ ‘bout
What’s really goin’ on right now
But I guarantee this memory’s a big’in
And she thinks we’re just fishin’
Yeah, aww, she thinks we’re just fishin’
We ain’t only fishin’
(This ain’t about fishin’)
I'm sure you were watching last night, but MNF and Bronco's home opener sucked! I know you were trying to help with making it rain and all, but Bronco's let us down Mikey! It's just not the same cheering on the Donkey's without you!!
ReplyDelete