Amanda Wesson
I met Mike back in 1999 while chaperoning my daughter's 3rd grade field trip to Jungleland Zoo. I remember going home that night and telling my sister about the tall, dark and handsome alligator wrestler I met that day. She could tell I was smitten and told me if I didn't call and ask him out, she would call for me. I gathered the courage and called him. We dated off and on for three years, but ultimately knew we were destined to be friends. Mike was there for me in some of the toughest times of my life, always encouraging me to make better decisions, never judging me and would tell me how proud he was of me and how far I had come. We would joke that if I wasn't married by the time I hit 40 (13 years after we met), we would get married. Well I was married by then but we still remained friends, checking in with each other a few times a year. When he shared with me about his cancer returning he was so positive, but realistic, often making jokes to make me laugh and keep the conversation light and upbeat. That was Mike, always positive and never feeling sorry for himself or wanting pity. Last we spoke, he assured me that he was doing well, talked about retiring and buying land up in the Panhandle. I think that was his way of easing my mind. He always thought of others first, he was a true gentleman and friend. For his mother, he spoke of her often and I knew he loved her dearly. I will miss his humor, his big personality, his friendship... Rest in peace my friend.