Tuesday, July 3, 2012
My 1500 mile drive to Florida was made easier every year by the thought that I would soon meet up with Mike. I looked forward to his infectious humor, his quick wit, the way he could charm us with his accordion and even some of the maddening offbeat political opinions he often expressed with raised eyebrows and a winning smile. His St. Patrick day concerts with the Mummers gave us the greatest of joys as we laughed, danced and sang for a day that could not be matched with any other during the year. If I encountered a moment of silence with Mike, I would lean over and whisper "Tell us a joke, Mike". And of course, he would and I was never disappointed. Although I met Mike only ten years ago, I will always cherish his memory, his enthusiasm for music, his provocative and very funny emails and even his usual greeting to me. Never "hello" or "how ya doin", but always, "Hey Ernie". And that was as formal as he would ever get. My winter sojourns to Florida will never be the same. I
