It’s easy to lose myself in the past these days. The comments from friends on this site and the postings on the other site— the one crazy Joe Alexander and his crew created for me (http://wealllovemike.martinagency.com/)–give me so many memories of great times with great people. I’m a little embarrassed about how much time I spend every day re-reading these things. I’m grateful all over again for all that I’ve been given over the past 64 years— family, friends, experiences, opportunities, all of it. The past is well taken care of these days— but it’s never been where I’ve wanted to spend my time.
What’s weird right now is coming to grips with how to— or even whether to–think about the future. I’ve always fallen in love with ideas— whether mine or someone else’s. To make it worse, I’m a complete failure at prioritizing: I’ve always had way too many balls in the air, too many projects that were special to me. And I never give up on any of my projects. (They tease me at work because I’m still trying to sell in creative ideas we developed for clients who are no longer our clients. Harry Jacobs once said I was still trying to rewrite ads that appeared in last week’s newspaper.)
I’m not particularly successful at bringing ideas to life, but nothing excites me more than the challenge of moving a project forward. Something strikes me as a good idea and I want to breathe life into it tomorrow. But what do I do now that tomorrow is so much less certain? As much as I’ve liked shedding the tyranny of to do lists, I miss the ability to make plans. The big Christmas gift I gave my family this year was “ten days anywhere in the world this summer.” If it weren’t for my diagnosis, we’d be debating where we’d be going right about now. I hope they make the trip even though I won’t be joining them. But I suspect it would be hard for them to plan it now.
At first, Ginny and I couldn’t talk about the future— her future–without biting back tears. Still it’s important to me to know that she has things to look forward to. I want her to have plans that excite her. I’m not panicked about this. Ginny is good at taking care of herself. She has wonderful friends. She doesn’t need the reassurances: I do. (We always knew that even though Ginny’s a few years older than me, I had to be the one to go first. I would be totally helpless on my own. In fact, if I’d never married, I’d still be living with flattened beanbag chairs and a lava lamp.)
Now Ginny is making exciting plans. If everything works out, we’re going to sell our beach house and she’s going to live roughly half the time in a place near Carley and Jason in Beacon. We’ve loved the New York + Richmond dual life we’ve been living. This will make spending time with The Beacon Hugheses even easier and more inviting.
Now that I think about it, the future doesn’t seem so bad.
I read your blog and it helps me grasp what is important about life. Thank you for that.
Mike, make plans for the future. Who knows when any of us might be run over by a “vegetable truck”? I remember a time when Rob Larson was in MCV, waiting on a miracle to save him from death by cancer – his own bone marrow was to be taken out, radiated, and put back in as a last resort. His priest came and told Rob that he wasn’t any different than anyone else on the planet. The line between this life and the next life is exceedingly thin. So many people cross over every day without any idea that it’s about to happen. As you know, 25+ years later Rob is here with a great wife and three beautiful children.
So plan for the future because it makes you happy each day. Do the things you love. The past is gone, the future isn’t here. We’ve all simply got the now. By the looks of your blog posts, you’re gaining energy not losing it. Love, Diane
I love you Mike Hughes. Sending positive thoughts to you and Ginny.
Hi Mike Huges, I am Katie Bovie’ s sister – you have a tremendous impact on her life for which I thank you. I admire your courage and caring.
HI Mike
I am Joe Alexander’s sister. I’ve meet you a couple of times, once at Joe’s wedding to Sarah and then later after my father passed away in 2007. What I know most about you is that my brother Joe loves you very much, and you’ve been a father figure and BBF for many years. Our family has been blessed because we know you love our brother/son as your own. I have enjoyed reading the blog today. The message from Joe, just gave me a further glimpse into the wonderful brother I have. I know Mike, you are not ready to give up the fight, I will pray for you and your wife Ginny, as you travel the road of uncertainty.
God Bless
Ellen (Alexander) Young
Mike,
My mom just informed me of this blog. I want you to know you and the family is in our prayers. I recently watched an inspirational speaker and he said that our actions and accomplishments can have a major impact on people that we do not even realize. When I heard this it made me think of you. I can remember several years ago when I was in Richmond and needed a place to stay. Your mom opened her home to me. I was intrigued with what you have done in your life and asked her about you. We stayed up late that night as she shared with me your many accomplishments. She was very proud indeed. The next day she made me the best breakfast I have ever had. It smelled so good there was no need for an alarm clock that morning. Years later I reached out to you for some advice. Realizing that you did not know me well and your status in the business world I was not expecting a call. Then the phone rang. Mike I just wanted you to know that you have been an inspiration to me and I am sure many others. The things you have accomplished are incredible. Although I have not had the chance to really get to know you in person I felt compelled to tell you this. I hope this finds you well. Godspeed
Mike,
My mom just informed me of this blog. I want you to know you and the family is in our prayers. I recently watched an inspirational speaker and he said that our actions and accomplishments can have a major impact on people that we do not even realize. When I heard this it made me think of you. I can remember several years ago when I was in Richmond and needed a place to stay. Your mom opened her home to me. I was intrigued with what you have done in your life and asked her about you. We stayed up late that night as she shared with me your many accomplishments. She was very proud indeed. The next day she made me the best breakfast I have ever had. It smelled so good there was no need for an alarm clock that morning. Years later I reached out to you for some advice. Realizing that you did not know me well and your status in the business world I was not expecting a call. Then the phone rang. Mike I just wanted you to know that you have been an inspiration to me and I am sure many others. The things you have accomplished are incredible. Although I have not had the chance to really get to know you in person I felt compelled to tell you this. I hope this finds you well.
Mike – Not only are you a great advertising man and human being, but you’re the best damn blogger that I’ve ever followed. Please keep posting.
I’ve read every entry in We All Love Mike. I can’t help but think – damn, I should’ve worked for Mike. I love you and I love that everyone loves you. xo
Mike,
My wife Kathy and I were at the Barrie’s home for dinner the other night and our conversation turned to you and your wonderful blog. Bob said he follows it and although I don’t check in daily, I feel that I take something positive out of it every time I do. I haven’t posted until now, but find inspiration and awe in the imprint your life has made in so many. Thank you for sharing your daily thoughts and musings, which I find a personal blessing. I love that you so openly share your thoughts and feelings about Ginny to the point that we want to know her better. Thanks for sharing. God bless.
MIke, why is it that your thoughts on this blog are making all of us feel better about ourselves? Isn’t it supposed to work the other way around? Then again, that’s typical MIke. You’re always in my thoughts.
Mike, you know I have always admired you as a friend and advertising guru. But your beautifully expressed sense of mortality and immortality makes me realize you are a great poet as well. If poetry makes us soar above the country side and experience the transcendental, Mike is our poet laureate. Thank you for being my aspiration point. Sean
Mike, Diane’s right, we only have the present. From what I read here, you’re living in the present beautifully. I continue to be inspired by your blog, thank you for sharing it with all of us.