DAY 9. I have to admit, this is a grind, both physically and emotionally. We didn't have a night nurse for the second night in a row, which has left us somewhat exhausted. Let's just say that I am not too happy with the hospice right now. But, what good is that going to do, right?

My parents, God Bless them, are in their 70s. Here we are changing my brother's shirt and diaper and bed sheets, moving my brother's somewhat lifeless body....and our boy isn't exactly a little guy any more! Mom and Dad are doing something for their son they haven't done in over 40 years and probably never expected to have to do again. But you know what? They don't complain one damn bit. If anything, they do it with love: they clean him, caress him and talk to Michael with love and compassion. And we all push on, because our boy is WORTH EVERY DAMN EFFORT.

Let's change the flight path (as Michael might appreciate)....Did you know about our Michael?
- what a sight it was to see him get off the train from NYC in a sharp Brooks Brothers suit, glasses, an Hermes tie, Italian-crafted Ferragamo shoes, carrying his Tumi work bag. But the best part, was always that grin and a "hello Chop!" when he saw me waiting for him. Even better was when he would surprise us at home or a special event.
- as a kid, he loved playing with his Tonka trucks in the dirt in the backyard, but he always made sure to clean them up, then line them up neatly in the basement. Do you think Mom gave him just some of her Type A habits?
- Michael was a fantastic older brother. BUT, when they did fight, probably because of The Chop's temper (you don't think?!), he did hold The Chop's forehead while T.J. tried to kick or slap at his brother, to no avail. Dad would say "pretend you don't hear him", causing T.J. to get madder!
- in an era before cell phones, M loved calling Dad at the firehouse. He would kindly ask the desk officer, "Can I speak with Lieutenant Whyte please?", listen patiently while Dad came running down to the firehouse phone, then say, "goodnight, Daddy."
- he was Mom's right hand man on those many long days and nights when Dad was at the firehouse, helping keep the house tidy or watch over T.J. (please see the aforementioned about holding T.J.'s forehead to keep things calm :) )
- in the last few years, he loved taking Mom and Dad for rides, and taking Mom for long walks in Lordship, where they would talk about life, past trips, and our family.

Folks, we continue on. God has a plan and we have to be ok with it. We have faith.

We love our Michael. We love you and thank you for your continued support...you hold us up. Do a Michael Whyte deed today and CALL (yes, not just text) someone you haven't chatted with in some time...life is too short.