A Cousin's Remembrance

 

My cousin, Mike, passed on December 2, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. He was in constant pain at the end except when he was given pain killers. He was unable to move or talk except when he was given those medicines, which we know is no way to live. At the end his wife Robin and his loved ones were there in person and in spirit.

 We were two months apart as the oldest boys of a large family which sprouted from Howard Beach, NY. As children, we were best friends and lived on the same block. His dad would call him Munga Magoo and his sister, Maureen, Suzie Q. I called him Bunga as a kid which didn’t stick, but to this day, Maureen is still known as Suzie.

 Nevertheless, we were “best friends” well into our teens until life choices dictated different paths as adults. When we saw each other at family events, we would pick up where we left off, as if we just saw each other just days before. But of course, life got in the way.

 We became friends on Facebook several years ago and would occasionally chat for a moment or “Like” each other’s posts from time to time. When I shared that my son was an MTA police officer, he offered his congratulations and best regards for a successful career.

 When I heard he was in hospice, I sent his wife Robin a note to share with him. While it was heartfelt, it was also private, so it would be up to Robin to share.

 The only solace we have is the knowledge he is no longer in pain, at least in the earthly sense. Whether we are Christians, Jews or non-denominational, we hope and we pray he is at peace. Spiritually, for me, I pray he is seated at the table of Good, Plenty and Love with other family members who have gone before him.

 So lift your proverbial glass to the memory of Michael Kevin McHale once more and remember the man he was to us all. And Mike? May you Rest In Peace. Amen.

Here are his details as of now:

https://www.monarchfuneralhome.com/obituary/michael-mchale?fbclid=IwAR2FWTW2fXgLtM-nk8wl8yS5uaKLzlkTTCGH2BpFLZLAvCXeEC_J48n7o_0