Mike and Hannah (photo)

Mike and Hannah

It is not the same here without you Mike. We used to have conversations each day about life, politics, or about how proud you were of you children - they really were the light of your life and hearing the laughing and talking between Shawn, Hannah and Brock with my two children used to bring you so much joy. I used to think you were mad with amount you cared for your plants and we would speak about what your gardens used to be like. As I look out now, and I see your car in the driveway, I know how short life can be - I kep expecting to see you come down the stairs for a conversation. I see your friends walk past the front of the house, and look in, hoping for one more chance to talk to you. You had a hard last few years, but you were such a proud man you would never let onto people how hard it really was. On the odd occasion you let down those walls, you would speak about the moments you were going to miss with your kids and how that broke you more than the illness. Rest easy my friend, I wish you weren't gone, but know that you'll be drawing your way through the afterlife, talking about the old days. Miss you my friend.

My sincere condolences to Mikes Whanau,Thinking of you all at this sad time, Mike was not only a wonderful friend he also motivated and encouraged my husband David to enter bodybuilding competitions, RIP Mike, Arohanui Shona Rongonui and Whanau.