Mike's stuff

I drove out to Cary today -- four hours each way -- to help James decide what to do with the last of Mike's stuff. Most of the books are going to a charity that gives them away, and the furniture will go to a charity that helps people in recovery get on their feet. I told James to keep the kitchen stuff and learn to cook, and he looked a little scared. Maybe I'll get him a basic cookbook.

I've been worried about James because he and Mike were such great friends. James credits Mike with saving his life when he was in a very bad place. So, when Mike was in need, James cared for him as well as I would have. He changed dressings and bought whatever food Mike thought he might be able to keep down. There's still bottles of Boost and packets of Carnation Instant Breakfast in the cupboard.

Sometimes, James walks into Mike's oom when he needs to talk to him. He sits next to the desk and talks about what's bothering him. Both of us believe Mike is listening.

He told me some days he just comes home from work and closes the door and watches reruns of "Law and Order."

I think he thought that's a bad thing, but I have days when I come home, go down to the family room and watch "Star Trek" DVDs. Sometimes you have to go to your comfort zone and stay awhile.

He's been keeping to himself a good deal, but he has started to build a support system, and that's what will make him feel better.

He always said Mike made him a good person -- a lot of Mike's friends say that. But I told him no that's he's a good person and people love him, he has the responsibility to not let us get too worried about him.

After Mike died, Rob and I told him we have adopted him. We know he has parents; now he has two sets. He's part of our family too. I just remember him sitting in the room with Mike the days before Mike died and I'd hear laughter coming out of there. I love that. Throw Christian in and you have one thoroughly obnoxious threesome. They were one hilariously twisted trio.

They all had stupid things they did before they sobered up, and they all were dealing with consequences, but they also had each other. Christian insists Mike made him a good person and now he has to deal with being nice.

My mother refers to Christian, James and Justin as my boys. That's OK by me. I love them all.

James says he continues to work hard on his issues because he has no intention of throwing away all Mike helped him achive.

I came home with Mike's acoustic guitar and I'm giving it to Danny so he and Trey can learn together. I also have a few of Mike's guitar books. Danny can't afford $50 lessons, so he and Trey will try and learn together.