Michael Moriarty: A True Friend

Michael Moriarty is an example of an angel who I was blessed to know. He was a model student, son and mentor to us all. Michael faced numerous challenges in his life but not once would you hear him complain or even as the question why me? This was not in Michael’s character or personality. He was born with only 3 fingers on his left hand was born with a rare esophagus disease, that forced him to endure numerous surgeries in his life time. From the day I first met him in my kindergarten class to the day he passed away, on March 23, 2010, he was someone you could always count on to brighten your day.

In kindergarten we were taught to treat others the way you want to be treated and everyone had glimpses of helpfulness towards others, but for Michael it was something he prided himself on. He would do anything for any one. Michael was a unique individual because in this day and age it is often difficult to find truly divine people. I was blessed to know Michael and he taught so much about being there for others.

I have a story that his mother told me that I will never forget. When Michael passed away we went to his house the weekend after to be with the family and show them that everything was going to be alright and we will be there for them. While at his house we went to his room as a remembrance of him. While in his room we all were looking at his trophy case and she was explaining to us that unlike us Michael was limited as to what sports he could play because of his hand. She said but he was able to do things many other kids didn’t get to do because every winter their family would travel to Hawaii to meet with family and go to the pro bowl. I can remember telling Michael that if possible to get me a Brett Favre autograph because he is my favorite player. I knew that it would not be a simple task so I never expected anything to ever come of it. So while at his house we began to go through his collections of autographs and his mother turned to me and said Michael tried to get you a Brett Favre autograph because he knew that was your favorite player. At that moment I was holding back tears because I knew that Michael made a concerted effort to actually do that for me. This just made me feel lucky that I knew someone who was so giving as Michael. I have missed him every day and I still wear the bracelet with his dates on it, and have never taken it off because I know he is watching down on me.