Our Michael

“Our” preceded the names of Michael and myself for as long as I can remember.

My friendship with our Michael began when Nanna Cooper (Nan) looked after us whilst our parents worked. It was probably best described as “segregated” because given where each of us lived, Romiley seemed like a long way from Hyde and we were also dependent on how the relationship stood with our respective Mums !

As we approached our formative years, the social life in Dukinfield (where I then lived) was brighter than Romiley so our Michael became a regular weekend visitor. As two young individuals finding their way through life’s pit falls, challenges and of course girls, we developed a strong bond that stayed with us despite the massive gaps that were to face us in later life. In more recent years, we have dined out, got drunk and entertained numerous people with our exploits, much to the despair of Jayne and Teresa.

Our Michael was very much his own person and this became evident with the decisions he made in life. Many of these I found out about afterwards which sometimes caused concern but I always came to the conclusion that, it’s our Michael, he’ll be alright.

Our Michael faced his most recent challenge with courage and determination and his visit to Lytham with Jane will remain a lasting memory for myself and Teresa. If I can take any solace from the loss of our Michael it’s in the knowledge that when our time does come, the story can start all over again.