As Mike's friend and Webmaster of this site, I have had a very difficult time expressing my feelings over this tragedy. Now that that the memorial service is over, I have been even more empty not working on a project with Mike. The sense of loss is starting to sink in.
As I said during the service, Mike was becoming very optimistic. Both of us were meeting regularly to enhance this website (and Progressive Networks) to include a wider variety of Internet Webcasts. He had signed on new hosts and we were getting ready to set up the technology to expand the streams.
As you know, he was also assigned community service, so he was working with Washington Talking Book & Braille Library. He loved working with this dedicated organization and planned to continue volunteering even after his community service was completed. He felt he was meant to do this.
Even during the lowest times, Mike tried to look at the bright side. He knew things were starting to look up. With change just around the corner, it makes this senseless act even harder to deal with.
While Mike is gone, he did inspire people around him to act. So very soon Jeremy Grater, myself and others will create new progressive webcasts that will be initiated from this site. Meanwhile Mike's dear friend, Jane Bengtson will be working tirelessly going through Mike's vast archive of broadcasts and pick out favorites for download here on the Audio page.
Mike's voice will continue, so be sure to check back often. And for those of you that attended the service, and have been writing emails, THANK YOU. It has been very comforting to hear how Mike was an inspiration to you.
Bob Vesely
Webmaster
P.S. Memorials in Mike's name can go to The Lambert HouseLabels: Thoughts about Mike