2003-07-07
Mikey Dee
Our friend Mikey passed away yesterday morning. Those of you who have been reading this journal for a while, or who know me personally, are probably aware that Mikey had been in what's called "locked-in syndrome" since having a stroke following a routine heart procedure in February of 2000. The near-total paralysis, in tandem with a series of infections, pretty much destroyed his immune system and left him weakened. He went peacefully in his sleep at around 3:30 yesterday morning.
I loved the little welcoming nod of the head he'd give you when you saw him across the room. After the stroke, when he'd lost control over his neck, that evolved into a whoop of joy when you'd come see him at Spaulding, and later on, at the Greenery. Different reaction, same effect -- when Mikey was happy to see you, it was something you carried with you for the rest of the day.
I loved that Mikey and my mom once had a 20 minute conversation about Wally Cox (the voice of Underdog) that he'd bring up years after the fact whenever he asked how she was doing. He loved trivia, loved people who knew the same random shit he knew. He was charming, he was funny, there wasn't a pretentious or insincere bone in his body.
I loved how he'd stand right up front at a show, furiously airdrumming along, not giving a rat's ass if anyone thought he looked uncool.
I have to believe that Mikey is free and in a better place. I will treasure the moments we had before his stroke, and I even cherish the memories of him after -- that big whoop he'd greet you with when you came to visit, the fits of laughter he'd get into when someone brought in a whoopee cushion (potty humor was never not funny to the Dee), and how -- sometimes -- when you'd be telling him about some news in the music scene, his occasional spasms would stop and he'd just look you right in the eye, listening so intently that for a moment, there didn't seem to be anything "wrong."
I think Mikey ultimately knew how much he was loved, and took that love with him when he passed on to the next adventure.
Miss and love you, Dee.
lisamcc at 8:41 a.m.
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