Making sure we count our blessings

On occasion, these lyrics from Bing Crosby come to mind.

“When I’m worried and I can’t sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep and I fall asleep counting my blessings.”

It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on the life of my brother in law, Mike Conway, who died last week. There have been accolades written and spoken about this special member of our family. We were blessed to have Mike all of these yearse because he touched each of us in ways one cannot imagine.

I recall the New Year’s Eve when he may have hinted that he was proposing to Melissa. We were watching for their arrival home to Hotchkiss Place, peeking not-so-discreetly from the window. Imagine their surprise when we greeted them with shrieks, laughter and happiness. Thus, the story began with Melissa, whom he adored, along with his three children, spouses, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. His pride and love was evident and unwavering.

Blessings abound, because Mike had an uncanny way of making one feel very important and special no matter your place in life. He was surrounded by a myriad of friends with whom he stayed in touch personally, by phone, snail mail, text or email. His gift of vocabulary was second to none as exhibited through his writing or spoken word.

With great humility and kindness, Mike helped people from all walks of life as an educator, real estate agent, elected official and volunteer. I have been so fortunate to spend Sunday evenings with Mike and Melissa. It was entertainment galore!

We enjoyed many spirited conversations with laughter galore, heart medicine and a gourmet meal prepared only by Mike. We were the guinea pigs as testers on a number of meals – boy, were they every delicious! The moments we shared: priceless! The special memories: forever!

One of my favorite poems by William Henry Channing describes Mike:

“To live content with small means; To seek elegance rather than luxury,

And refinement rather than fashion; To be worthy, not respectable;

And wealthy, not rich; To study hard, think quietly, Talk gently, act frankly;

To listen to stars and birds, To babes and sages, with open heart, To bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, Await occasions, hurry never. To let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.”

Mike has left us with a legacy that will forever remain dear in our hearts and live on as we witness the fruits of his efforts.

Let us all share this blessing and continue to make this a better place in which to live and work.