When you love somebody and that person leaves you, the pain of their absence is like an open wound. But the process of healing this wound began when we arrived in California. Michele's family was not only happy to see us, but they were filled with joy to see how many lives Michele had touched in such a short time. One of Michele's favorite phrases was Mi Amore, because that was exactly what she felt and expressed to all around her. She was the pride and joy of those who knew her, an exceptional person filled with qualities which many of us can only dream of.
Most people exist, that is all.
Michele not only existed, she lived and she helped us to live. She taught us the lessons of love without barriers and giving unselfishly of oneself. The opportunity to travel to California granted to us more than we can fully express in words. We were able to communicate our feelings and love to Michele's family and to begin to lift the veil of sadness which had covered us. We realized that Michele had lived a fuller life in 19 years than some people can live in a hundred.