Two weeks ago, the doctors gave me two weeks to live. I’m pretty sure they’ll be proven wrong. In fact, I’m actually making plans now for next week. !!! A friend now in Ethiopia is planning to get here the end of next week. I told him to get here as soon as possible because I might have a funeral I have to attend at the end of the week. (Some people love that kind humor. Others, not so much.)
I’ve had some great doctors along the way, but the best is Ginny. She’s proof that you don’t need a degree; you need stamina and common sense and a relentless sense of purpose. When another doctor recommended something she didn’t agree with, she demanded a second opinion. I gave up on keeping my meds straight years ago; she’s been diligent in minimizing how often I screwed up. She has never, ever given up on me. I confess–there were times in recent weeks when I was ready to throw in the towel. (Not now. Not by a long shot.)
Jason, Carley and Patti have been excellent nurses. Ginny’s lead the team.
My advice to all of you: if you ever find a doctor as good as Ginny, marry her.
Best thoughts and prayers going out to you, Mike. It sounds like you have a top-notch team on your side and by your side.
Mike you are simply amazing. Thank you for sharing this wild ride. Thinking of you every day.
We are so glad that the doctors were wrong! George and I enjoyed our time with you and Ginny on Saturday…we are sending the younger crowd to see you on Friday. I know Matt will be especially pleased to see how good you look compared to when you were in the hospital.
Love you, Megan
Sent from my iPad
Thank goodness for Ginny and thank goodness for you. Love, Susie
Hi. It’s me the old retiree. I am amazed that u continue to teach me and u have confirmed for me the importance of a sense of humor no matter the situation. Have not found a job yet so my sense of humor is getting lots of use. Thinking of u with a smile on my face
Mike, you have a best attitude about everything. You are amazing. And, even though I consider myself an agnostic, I pray for you every day. But with an attitude like yours, perhaps I should ask you to pray for me. I love you.
You keep inspiring us.
Stop,drop, and roll, Mike! Actually I think that is if you are on fire, but the principle is the same. Hope to see you and Ginny soon! lots of love…
This post is great. I have to assume that you’re in full “Uncle Charlie” mode and that the prayers/good thoughts are working. Thinking of you and wishing you all good things including more time. It was nice to see that the “weather gods” gave you a lovely winter’s snow last Friday and balmy temps in the high 60′s this week – winter, spring, summer (if you’re in Wisconsin) and perhaps fall, all in the last five or so days. That in itself is a gift of sorts. Love and best wishes,
Diane
Thank you, Ginny for continuing to take good care of our sweet Mike. The role of a caregiver is not easy but I know personally it is a labor if love. And Mike, thank you for being such a lovable guy and wise enough to choose a special woman like Ginny to love you. As I have said many times, you are the kind of person I hope to be one day. I just hugged you. Did you feel it? Jean
People you don’t even know are so much pulling for you, awed by you and terribly sad for you–though with your attitude the last is hard to maintain. Randy and I send you our best thoughts and thank you for the wisdom and humor of your words.
As resilient and persistent as ever. That’s why we love you, Mike.
I watched your video yesterday on the Martin website, just to hear your laugh and see your smile.
This post made me laugh and smile. Now we’re even.
Miss you.
Even after 15 years – I can absolutely hear your voice in every word you write. Unforgettable & like none other. Just like you. I am sending love.
I love you, old friend. And thanks for bringing your credit card to check me into the Jefferson on my first night in Richmond after giving me a job. I owe you much.
Hope not too, Mike. Think of you often. Sending much love your way.
Mike, you were always what I aspired to be – as a Creative Director, as an agency owner, as a human being. I never got there, but am better for having tried. Thank you for setting the bar so high. Thank you for being my friend.
Woody
Mike – we’ve never met in person but you were kind enough to send me a handwritten letter last year when i was on the ropes myself. As the great Darrell Royal once said, character is how you treat the people who can do nothing for you. And you certainly lived up to that in sending me your support. Godspeed on your adventures sir. And thank you.
“…you need stamina and common sense and a relentless sense of purpose.” Amen! Thanks for the golden nugget Mike.
Thanks for taking this stranger into your office last Spring to talk about your life and your passion. Your positivity is contagious and inspiring!
Mike, Best regards from everyone here at Comcast. I am especially enjoying your terrific writing, which is a joy to read. Looking forward to reading more, for a good long time to come.
I only ever met you once in Chicago for about 10 seconds, but I’ve never heard more consistently great things about anyone as I did about you for 25 years. You have been loved and admired as a good man of the highest ethical principles. I suspect you lived the life of your dreams. God bless all of you.
Mike – Your kindness, generosity, passion, strength, and talent will live forever.
Joe
Mike, you probably don’t remember me (we met long ago at a Martin family shindig), and I’ve never met Ginny, but I have to let you know that both of you, for years, have been heroes at our house. There are too many reasons to list, so I won’t do it here. Just know that Patrick and I appreciate the example both of you have provided: caring, dedicated, passionate and funny as heck. (I for one, like the humor…because, let’s be honest…it applies to everyone. Nobody has a claim on tomorrow. Might as well be real–and funny–about it.)
We love you guys!
Becky (and Patrick) Antkowiak
Thanks so much, Mike. Sending up a prayer, a thank you, and a laugh.
Thank you for all of this thought. I am a ten-year Cancer surviver (and, 5 years later, had a Stroke). As a former Advertising guy, you are the best guys out there. You are. If you get to the other side, side them “hi” for me. Bless you.
We have never met but I have heard so many stories about you over the years. One thing has always remained the same, no matter what the tale, that you are a gentleman and a man of great character. Few have given back as much as you. I meet many students from VCU each year and without exception, your name comes up in conversation.
Whether this week or next, your lust for life and your unparalleled generosity will never be forgotten.
Hey, Mike. Thanks for the constant updates and the relentless positivity. I’m so honored to know you, my friend.
Well, the Mayan calendar was wrong, too…
(Keep fighting, Mike. I know something about this, too, and it’s all you can do, dammit…)
Mike, as always wonderful and wise. My prayers, thoughts and thanks are with you. Be well.
Mike, you probably don’t even remember me — Mary Margaret Bugg (now Connell). I began my advertising career at Martin back in the mid-90s as a peon little account person. We went up to BMG together (because you gave me the chance) , and you used to write me notes on my computer screen, so that when I came back from a meeting, there were words of encouragement and support. You made me love the business, and I know what a great leader is because I witnessed it in you. I talk about you all the time, and as many others have said and will say forever, it is an honor and privilege to know you. My prayers are with you.
I hope to be reading this blog, filled with new entries written by you, for much longer than anyone dare hope for.
Don’t know you Mike, but know a lot of folks you do.
And there’s nothing but praise from everyone.
You’ve done a lot of people a lot of good.