I’m not sure if my
cousin Mike, or Mikey to me, was aware of how he touched people’s lives. He was
a simple person. He wanted to live life happily and enjoy every moment given throughout.
He didn’t care much for materialistic things and money did not drive him.
Talking to people, having a great time, spending time with family, and living
simple was all he needed in life to be happy. Something I didn’t learn myself until after
he passed was how much he enjoyed making a difference in someone’s moment, day,
and life.
Mike in the studio
I don’t think he was every happier than when he was working.
Mike
Son, Cousin, Nephew, Grandson, Father &
Friend
On June 8, 1976 Mikey
was born. I was 5. My Aunt Chris is my Dad’s sister. Her, my Dad, and their other
sister grew up in the same area as my Mom’s family. It was a small area so most
everyone knew each other. The term “It’s a small world” applies quite a bit
with our family; but that’s a story for another time. My Aunt once told me that as soon as Mike was
born there was a connection with us. I do remember being quite protective of my
Mikey. Now don’t get me wrong. My other cousin C and I, we were the two older “girls”
and we put poor Mikey through some stuff growing up. He was the only boy in a family full of girls. He got picked on quite a
bit. Wonder if that had anything to do with him being such a ladies man later
in life. J
Mike always loved
music. We grew up in a family who loved music. I remember when Mike was only
about 6 or 7. He grabbed a guitar and pretended he was jamming! I think the
reason I remember that moment so well is because of how much that just suited
him. He was a rock star DJ. There are a lot of great memories of Mikey, C, and
me. We were a tight bunch growing up. When MTV launched the 3 of us stayed up
until midnight to see the “Video Killed the Radio Star” MTV Debut music video.
I still remember every word to that song today.
This isn’t the
actual video but it is the Buggles singing their 1979 hit.
Well, it came as no surprise
that Mike would find a career in music. At the celebration of his life, his
first boss spoke about him with such genuine love and fondness. It was so
endearing. He talked about how Mike would do anything for them just to be able
to work at the radio station. He was just this young kid who didn’t care about
getting paid; he wanted to be in that environment because it’s what he loved. Mike got his chance to DJ and “Hondo” was
officially born.
Making a Difference
Becoming a DJ was a
dream come true for Mike. Unfortunately, I never lived in the same town at the
same time so I didn’t get to hear him on the radio. I have some of his demo tapes
and he was fun, energetic, and just really put it out there for you. It wasn’t
a “radio personality”, oh no, it was him through and through. Many fans have
shared how he made a difference in their day. One shared how she had an
extremely rough and emotional morning. When she got in her car to go to work
she tuned in to Hondo. She said just listening to him put her in a better mood.
He made her laugh and said something on the air as if he could have been speaking
directly to her. Just being himself and having the ability to reach out to so
many over the air gave him a wide audience to touch each day. This inner
kindness began long before he was on air. A high school friend shared at his
service that when she had just moved to their school she didn’t know anyone and
had no friends. She would eat her lunch in the bathroom every day. One day she
came out of the bathroom and Mike was standing there. He asked her why she ate
her lunch in the bathroom every day and she said because she didn’t have any
friends. He told her she did now and welcomed her into his circle of friends
with open arms.
Make a Difference in Family
It wasn’t just
strangers, coworkers, aspiring musicians, or friends that Mike touched.
Mike made a
difference in our family’s lives as well. He was the peace keeper. At a time
when I wasn’t able to speak directly to my Father, his health became very poor.
Mike was always the one to call me and tell me what was going on. He would say,
“He’s your Dad and you have the right to now”. After I had my son I went thru some tough
times as most single Moms do. He always told me what a great Mother I was and
would remind me that no matter how tough times are a son needs and wants to be
with their Mom over anyone else. His little pep talks and recognition of my
parenting were always needed and appreciated.
Friends & Family for Life & All
Eternity
Mike and I stayed pretty
close growing up. We stayed in touch and we made it a point to visit as often
as we could. If Mike came into Dallas for a concert; he’d always stay over for
a visit. We had plans for Dave Matthews Band July 4th weekend in W.
Palm Beach the year he passed away. My sister and some of our friends took that
road trip instead. We had a great time and celebrated life just as he would
have.
There are so many
ways Mike has made a difference. He wasn’t a wealthy man who could donate to
charities but instead he did something that can be more meaningful at times; he
touched people’s hearts when it was needed most. I have so many more stories I
can share and will but for now, I’ll leave you with this song. Music in Memory
of a Music Man.
