All the Fish in Heaven
I first met Mike at his funeral. My dear, sweet, incredible friend Erica asked my partner Pete to sing for her uncle Mike, and of course Pete said yes.
I find funerals to be incredibly inspirational, and Mike's was no exception. It is perhaps the one time in our lives when we are truly celebrated in a way that connects us to each other more deeply than we may ever experience while we are alive. The ritual of honoring someone we love who has made the ultimate transition is both humbling and profoundly moving, whether you know the person or not. I did not know Mike going into his funeral, but I feel so blessed to have experienced his essence as told through the eyes of those who loved him. He had such an impact that the service lasted three hours. THREE HOURS, and only one of those hours was the actual Catholic mass. The rest of the time was full of stories about Mike as told through friends and family. They were plentiful, loving, and full of JOY.
One story in particular struck me the most. Mike's son spoke of how his dad was his best friend, his “best bud”. One day as a teenager, Mike's son looked at his father and said “dad, I want to be just like you”. Mike heard his son's proclamation, and immediately told him that if he grew up to be just like him, then that would mean that Mike had failed him as his father. Mike said,
“Son, I want you to grow up to be just like YOU.”
THIS… this is parenting done right. This is LIFE done right. How much easier would all of our lives be if we all just supported each other in becoming the next best version of ourselves? If we stopped imposing our beliefs, our trauma, and our fears onto others? How much freedom could we experience if we knew, without a doubt, that we were seen and loved for exactly who we are?
I created this painting before Mike's funeral, but did not yet have a name. After being immersed in Mike's love and inspired by his life (which also included a healthy amount of fishing in his favorite lakes), I knew this painting was for him. May we all encourage each other (and ourselves) to be rooted in love, and to bring into fruition the true nature of our souls.
