My name is Michelle Martinez (AKA Michelle "M"...), and I want to echo Sarah's thoughts. It speaks volumes about Teddy how that one particular memory has been so vivid, and seems to serve as the quintessential example of how much fun our childhood friendship was with him. Whenever I think about him -- and I have thought about several times since seeing him last as an 11 year old, wondering how he's been, sending him happy thoughts -- I think about how hilarious and kind and generous he was. Granted, I laugh a lot anyway, but I laughed non-stop when he was around, and like Sarah said: our cheeks hurt after spending that day with him. I wish I could have known him better as he grew up; I suspect we would have stayed lifelong friends if I hadn't moved away after 5th grade.
It's no secret that this world can be a difficult place to live in, and sometimes we just get gripped by the darker side of things - but I don't think anything is gripping Teddy now. I believe he's free, at peace, and continues to have an existence with that same carefree joyful spirit that was such a joy to be in the presence of when we were kids.
Thank you,
Michelle Martinez
