Michelle Haskell.

Haskell is my father’s middle name.  My grandfather idolized a ranch hand he worked for named Neal Haskell so much, he named his son, Neal Haskell Palmer, after him.  I was always in awe with this story and thought it was remarkable my grandfather admired a man so much he named his son after him - both his first and middle name, such an incredible honor.

This was the only story I’ve heard of such, until last night.  

Louis Michael.  An old friend of mine who I met through the Cotillion, and then continued a friendship with throughout the remainder of high school and college.  

// A coworker of Louie’s had a pregnant wife and fell on some hard times.  He was left without a car and Louie had transported him to and from work in the interim, until Louie had eventually bought the man a car.  The man repayed him the only way he could - he named his son, Louis Michael, after him - both his first and middle name.  Once again, I was awestruck someone admired someone so much as to name their child after them, such an incredible honor.

Louis Michael.  He was shot by a complete stranger outside of a bar where everybody knew his name, his fiancé sitting inside.  My mind still cannot comprehend the senselessness, and the timing, and the location, and the minutes in which this incident occurred.  

Louis Michael.  I attended your candle light vigil last night.  It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed.  Hundreds of people were there; thousands of tears, stories, and memories.  I was honored to be one in a crowd of so many lucky enough to have known you.

Louis Michael.  After leaving your home last night, I cried.  I cried for Ellie.  I cried because you were robbed the opportunity to be a husband and a father.  I cried for your parents, your siblings, and your family.  I cried because I had lost touch with you.  

// After all the people and all the stories from last night, I keep questioning why we lost touch - why does anyone lose touch.  In a world full of communication, do we ever really communicate?  Why we hadn’t intentionally talked in years.  Of course when we would run into each other, I would receive a big bear hug, we would pick up right where we left off, and most importantly, you never failed to ask me how my brother was doing.  I’m certain we moved on and life took our paths in different directions, and I’m more grateful than I’ve ever been that those paths were able to cross, even if it were only for a few short years.  But why didn’t I call.  Why didn’t I check in.  Why didn’t I reach out.  Why did I let our friendship fail.  Why do any friendships fail.  Why do some people come into our lives and stay forever, others come and go, and some only last a few brief moments? 

Louis Michael.  You were one of a kind.  Your kindness, your generosity, your friendliness, humor, orneriness, uniqueness, happiness, thoughtfulness is something I can only be envious of.  Last night you made me want to be a better person.  You made me want to forgive.  You made me want to be more like you.

Louis Michael.  You touched so many people.  Your light will always shine.  Your legacy will live on.  I learned so much from you these last few days...  To be kind.  To be helpful.  To reach out.  To make phone calls.  To wake up every morning happy.  To not complain.  To live life to the fullest.  To love with all that you have.  To be true to yourself.  To forgive.  To be present in the lives of those around you.  

Louis Michael.  I begin today in hopes to be more like you.  To be kind.  To be helpful.  To reach out.  To make phone calls.  To wake up every morning happy.  To not complain.  To live life to the fullest.  To love with all that I have.  To be true to myself.  To forgive.  To be present in the lives of those around me.

Louis Michael.  I’m beyond thankful I knew you.  I’m happy you were able to love and be loved by Ellie.  I’m sad for your loss.  I’m angry it was you.  And more than anything, I’m sorry we lost touch.

Louis Michael.  They broke the mold with you.