Monday, January 19, 2009

Tribute to Michael Porter - Jan. 11, 1970 - Oct. 23, 2007

Last week, I spent time with my friend Phylissa and her daughters. We were celebrating what would have been her husband's, Michael, birthday. Michael was a dynamic person. He was a husband, father, son, and friend. It did not matter what the problem or circumstance, Mike P, as he was often called, was always there to make you laugh. In fact, laughter was his ministry. He could be found making you laugh, as he cut your hair (he as a barber) or cutting a joke or two with the Pastor. Mike created Kingdom Laughs Entertainment, a Christian owned and operated business with the purpose of "Magnifyin g Spiritual gifts to the fullest through laughter".

Mike was a very special person to Man-child. He was more than a big brother and mentor. He was "that person" Man-child could always go to about anything. As we were talking, I had to share one of my Man-child stories with everyone. Late one August evening, Man-child came into my room after taking a shower and asked me "How come my penis keep sticking straight out". As he is asking me, my son is standing in front of me completely naked with a FULL ERECTION. I was speechless. I asked him, "What were you doing?" He said "I was rubbing it in the shower". All I could say was "Well, don't do it anymore". I was speechless for days. Can you imagine me all hot , shocked and frustrated first from seeing my son NAKED and then with a full erection? Uggggg.... A few days later in church, I saw Mike and he asked how were things going. When I explained what happened, he said "Don't worry, I'll take care of it". He took Man-child out and I guess they talked. Later that day, Mike called me and explained it in technical terms to me in case Man-child had any more questions. He said that he wanted me prepared for what would happen next and we talked for almost two hours.

Michael was called HOME the day after Man-child's 12th birthday. My son was heartbroken. He often becomes very withdrawn with the mention of Michael's name. In fact celebrating his birthday was very difficutl; but, I had to remind him that we have to celebrate all that Mike gave us and all that he was to us. I am grateful that we had someone like Michael in our life and I will carry him with me always.



12 comments:

  1. Oh 'Cilla, you guys are too much. I tried not to laugh to hard. It's great when you can have someone to talk to that will be there when you need them. It's also sad that they have to go, but their spirits will always be with you.

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  2. That was special. Manchild will always remember what Mike shared with him. Someone else special will step in and continue the mentorship.

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  3. That was special. I got a little teary-eyed.

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  4. Cilla -

    Very nice blog.
    Man-child will remember his wonderful relationship with Mike.

    I have to say that you handled the situation better than I think I would have as I would have just screamed!

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  5. Thanks Jennifer.. explaining death to a child is hard and Mike's passing was very difficult for Man-child. I am just very glad and rejoyous in his life and what he shared with us.

    Dera...Praying for another special someone for him. Thanks for your support

    Uraine.. Thanks for stopping by

    Beverly... seeing your child for the first time naked as a young man is frightening.. He is not my little boy any more

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  6. 'Cilla,

    If your son ever reads this post he is gonna want to KILL YOU!!! Man I thought passing around the table at Thanksgiving/Christmas a full butt photo of me when I was a few months old was embarrassing. This is way more.

    Love you,
    Mona

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  7. I am glad to see that you all got together to celebrate Mike. Girl..let me tell you my son is 10 and I read your stories knowing it is a glimpse of things to come. I remember my husband not being home and my son coming to tell me about a weird feeling he had in the shower...I stopped him short at my door and told him wait until his dad gets home.

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  8. Ladysilver... You will not have to experience what I did.. I am however, Glad that Man-child can come to me with his questions.. .I just have to be better prepared:-)

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  9. Ohhhhhhhhh myyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!
    Ok, I put my eyes back in....I raised three of them and nothing like that happen, DO NOT KNOW WHAT I WOULD HAVE DONE!!!! Therefore, enough said.

    Blessings for Mike P and the impact he had on ALL the lives he touched. Congratulations to him for enlightening you. That is so very proactive and let's face it, most men would not have done that. Yes, they would talk to the young man but not you.... that's "man stuff", that's what I have gotten before. WONDERFUL that he feels that comfortable to come to you that way, that is a testament to the wonderful mother you are.

    Great sharing....Thanks 'Cilla

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  10. What a loving tribute...now regarding manchild...he's going to kick your butt...lol.
    xoxo

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  11. I love this story ... and hope that man-child's friends NEVER find this post!!

    Hugz & HAPPY b'day to U Fellow Sistah Aquarian!

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  12. Cilla,

    Your child will kill you after reading this. He will read it. LOL

    I'm sorry for your loss. I'm happy your son had someone he cared about, it will make him a stronger man.

    I have two boys and I'm so looking forward to that conversation. LOL

    Yesterday the middle child came and said his private part was itching. My hubby told him that's the best part about being a man, you can scratch it. I fell out. LOL

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