Mike was like a brother to me. He taught me the importance of appreciating the small things in life (Mountain Dew, glow sticks, chicken) as well as how to approach experiences that may seem intimidating or different with an open mind.

It's hard to pick a favorite story. Mike was always hilarious and enjoyed spending time anyone. He could make a friend anywhere, even when had had a harder and harder time communicating. He loved hanging out with all our friends on the swim team and in college and everyone he met on his vacations and other adventures.

He always understood more than he could pass on to others and he had surprisingly good comedic timing. There was a time when we were goofing around before a family dinner in Indianapolis and he karate kicked me in a place that caused my gum to fly out of my mouth. He thought that was pretty funny and so did I.

Thank you for everything, you are missed deeply.

So very sorry for your loss Moorman family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I thought this would be a nice area to share fond memories of our time with Michael. Here is just one of many, many funny stories involving Mike:

We (me, my parents, Mike, and Anthony) spent the weekend at our family cabin several years ago in the summertime. For a weekend at the cabin, we would typically load the van with much more gear than needed, pack ourselves, including both dogs, in and depart on a Friday afternoon.

It was hot outside, and my dad was on the riding lawnmower, cutting the large meadow of grass in the front of the cabin. Dad had been out cutting grass for a while, and the rest of us had already eaten lunch, so my mom set out a separate paper plate with a hot dog and chips on the kitchen table for my dad once he had finished.

A few minutes passed, and she happened to walk by the kitchen table, noticing that the hot dog had vanished. Dad was still visible on the lawn mower, with no hot dog in hand, so she chided Squeaky, our coonhound, who was known for quickly swiping food within reach.

Mom prepared another hot dog, set it on the same plate with the chips, and departed the kitchen. The hot dog had once again vanished within minutes of setting it out. She finally prepared a third hot dog, and moved the plate to a location out of Squeaky's reach. This hot dog vanished from the 'Squeaky-safe' location, and we were perplexed, until we saw Mike walk by with a mustard smear across his face, finally realizing that mom had been chiding the wrong family member.

This was the day we learned Mike's true passion for hot dogs, as he ended up snatching three hot dogs beyond the hot dog he had already eaten for lunch!

Dear Diana and Craig,
Although I didn't know Michael personally, I knew him through you and the beautiful smile that he always had when Jerry and I saw him at Mass. He was one of God's special people and I know he will be so missed. God bless you and your entire family.

Dr. and Mrs. Moorman,
I was sad to hear of Michael's passing. He was a sweet soul with infectious energy. I am so happy I was able to have know him and to have called him my friend