Thank You Michael

I've finally been able to wrap up some of the estate issues and have received the life insurance money. Getting it has been a big relief. I'm so grateful that Michael and I made sure each of us would be taken care of if anything were to ever happen to either of us.

With the money I can refinance the house to a very manageable monthly payment as well as pay off the HELOC. We had paid off all our credit cards, so we have no other debt (except for my car payment). I can put the rest in savings.

My counselor asked me if there was anything I was going to give myself as sort of a "thank you" gift to Michael -- something I can constantly remember him by. I said that I actually did have something. I've decided to get braces. I've always been self conscious of my crooked bottom teeth although my top teeth aren't bad. Michael was always obsessed about teeth on people. I don't know how many times we'd first meet someone, and the very first thing he would say was something about that person's grill. I often reminded him that many people weren't blessed to have the perfect teeth that he did. He had one cavity in his 45 years of life and would only get his teeth cleaned once a year. His smile was a site to see -- something I miss.

I've always wanted straighter teeth, so now I can get them. I got the top brackets put on this week and will get the bottom brackets put on next week and the actual wires. The dentist said I will need to wear them for 18-24 months. When I'm done, I'll have a smile that will remind me of him everytime I shine my pearly whites. Thank you Michael. I love you.