Happy Birthday Daddy {Mike!}

Today would be Mike's 33rd birthday.  Since both of my children are asleep, and it's only 9:00, I think it's a sign I'm supposed to blog.
I was thinking about how some who read my blog might not have known Mike personally.  I want to share a couple of stories that show his personality.  I can't remember if I've shared them before, but I'll always remember them.
One night we were having dinner with his team from work in Atlanta.  He'd been working with this group of guys for about a year.  The group decided to walk about two miles to the restaurant.  Mike was currently receiving some kind of treatment, and it was a bit of a struggle to keep up with everyone.  Of course he didn't complain, but I thought it was odd that they didn't think to drive the restaurant.  About half-way through dinner, I realized that these men had no idea that Mike had cancer, much less that he'd had it for years and was currently receiving treatment.  I whispered, "Mike, have you told them about the cancer?"  He looked at me like I was crazy and responded, "I don't think so.  It's never come up."
I don't know why I was surprised, because that was totally Mike's personality.  He hated pity and couldn't imagine anyone feeling sorry for him.  {We are actually alike in this area.}  He didn't let cancer define him or use it as an excuse for anything; he didn't want that kind of attention.
I'll never forget our first visit to MD Anderson.  We were both filling out forms, and one question on the form I was filling out was to rate your stress level on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest level of stress.  I asked Mike, "What's your stress level, on a scale of 1 to 10?"  He replied, "I don't know, two?"  Seriously!?  I told him that mine was a 10, so we would average it and put six:)  I can't say I share his laid back and calm personality, but I'm thankful that my son inherited those traits from his daddy.
We always tried to make decisions as if Mike didn't have cancer and not let cancer rule our lives.  That's why I have two children, and I thank God for them every single day.  Mike did not believe he was going to die from cancer until the day he died, December 22, 2011; and he was ready to go to Heaven that day.  He had more faith than anyone I've ever known.
Tonight, we celebrated Mike.  Trent and Trevor blew out his candles, which would have probably been the case if he was still here with us:)

Mike was a wonderful husband and father.  I'm lucky to have so many wonderful memories of our 12 years together {8 married plus 4 dating.}  I can't wait to see him again in Heaven.
Finally, here is one of my favorite pictures.  Trent was about Miller's age now in this picture.