tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341012152011-06-07T23:38:58.168-07:00<b>October 3, 1975 &mdash; September 4, 2006</b> <br><br>One way for Mikey's friends to remember him. His family and friends are spread far and wide. This is a place to visit, and a place celebrate, honor and remember Mike.mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.comBlogger511100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-13677132722725397552008-10-03T18:03:00.000-07:002008-10-29T21:54:31.206-07:00

I've visited the web site, updated it for your Birthday and will add pictures of the babies soon. We all think of you, miss you and love you dearly. Lisa has been looking for you and just found me the other day. She was devastated with the news of your passing. We talked and cried and talked and laughed and cried some more. WE miss you so. Meggon and I talk every week and your baby niece is

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-51596305612581106422008-10-03T06:07:00.000-07:002008-10-29T21:50:47.657-07:00

Michael, I'm spending my day thinking about your birth 32 years ago today. Honey we miss you terribly and talk about you constantly. Guess WHAT?? Lisa found me and we talked and talked about your High School days. What a pleasure it was hearing from her and the memories came flooding back. She is sorry to have missed seeing you but now you reside in her heart forever. I'll be adding

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-57913668639524408752008-09-04T23:54:00.000-07:002008-09-04T23:59:01.546-07:00

It's been two years already Mike... We haven't forgotten you! If you knew Mike (or didn't) — feel free to leave him or his friends & family a note. He's watching over us all.

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-64204724774962825422007-08-07T08:03:00.000-07:002007-08-08T10:11:56.530-07:00

Meggon and Michael in Yuma Arizona 2002Michael and Meggon met with MMFA in Yuma, Jun 2002 while she visited from Europe. Great fun was had by all and the memories will last forever. Unfortunately, this was the last time any of us saw him alive. But, BOY we had a great time. He took me out in Phoenix and showed me all the hot trendy spots, we dined and we partied till the wee hours and I was

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-46177252325909367652007-07-31T10:01:00.000-07:002007-07-31T09:26:21.050-07:00

Michael John FreemanMy darling Michael,One year ago today you were admitted to the hospital after suffering a stroke. Baby boy, I've spent the morning pouring over the notes your friends kept on you while you were making THIS LAST JOURNEY to getting your wings. You are a force to be reckoned with. Those notes from your friends mean soooo much. How they cared for you my darling. You are one

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-78081843556197082212007-07-30T09:44:00.000-07:002007-07-30T10:22:14.597-07:00

Everything Changed. Monday, July 30, 2006. A year ago today, Mike started a journey he fought hard to try and win. Michael's favorite Aunt Lynnell asked that you all remember and celebrate Mike with your memories and stories on this blog.

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-10535307883939488392007-07-19T18:20:00.000-07:002007-07-30T16:08:17.896-07:00

The Koi Brian got for Mike.

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-4383220764727097782007-05-28T15:42:00.000-07:002007-05-29T15:51:41.639-07:00

Many of you were thinking of Mike this Memorial Day. I doesn't even seem like nine months have passed. Mike's Memorial tree is growing well and Steve and Gerry have added some poppies around the base of it, along with an impromtu vase of flowers using a SAR mug. Remember Mikey this Memorial Day, and all the good times you had with him He'll be watching over you.

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-69319956459636600662007-04-03T13:51:00.000-07:002007-04-03T13:56:06.976-07:00

Mike's sister Meggon just finished her memorial tattoo for Michael. Fresh ink... All healed.

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1168540757491748102007-01-11T10:12:00.000-08:002007-01-28T21:32:26.666-08:00

Mike's cousin (and other sister) Bianca finally got her wings! Below is Bianca's memorial tattoo she had done in honor of Mike. The piece is based of Mike's "wings" pin he earned while in the Navy. Above the shield are his initals and below, in the ribbon, are the dates that mark Mike's life with us. A beautiful piece of work, and I'm sure Mike feels even closer to her now. Many people say behind

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1166549882579533972006-12-19T09:35:00.000-08:002007-01-14T12:03:28.840-08:00

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1165303678421150842006-12-04T23:24:00.000-08:002006-12-22T09:35:49.843-08:00

Steve & Gerry added some Holiday cheer to Mike's Memorial Tree.(Many thanks to Steve and Gerry as always!)May Mikey's spirit be with you this Holiday Season.

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1161741055929961222006-10-24T18:07:00.000-07:002007-02-26T22:56:29.330-08:00

Mike managed to get across the border a couple of times last summer. He was a bit nervous the first time (if you don't know why...I'll explain it to you later), so he made me drive down to follow him up, just in case he didn't make it across. He brought Jayk and Darby with him--clever decoys!! Needless to say their was no problem. My roomate was expecting there to be two dogs staying in the

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1161295128653708032006-10-19T14:57:00.000-07:002007-01-08T19:27:30.320-08:00

April 1995: Photos from Aunt Lynnell's Wedding. Michael was the Best Man, and of course Bianca was the Flower Girl. She said I do!The Wedding PartyThe Garter Toss: Not me man! (Michael is on the right.)The Best Man

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1161294929702471212006-10-19T14:43:00.000-07:002006-10-19T14:55:42.860-07:00

December 1977: Little Michael and his favorite AuntieB. July 1978: Michael and baby Meggon. The photo was taken shortly after their father Johnny died. December 1978: First Christmas without Dad. Michael enjoys a trip to the zoo with Aunt Lynnell and Bianca. Enjoying the wine Wine Festival

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1161204115978437602006-10-18T13:23:00.000-07:002006-10-19T13:46:36.046-07:00

Michael's Favorite Aunt Lynnell sent some additional photos of her boy! 1990: Lynnell's Babies: Bianca, Michael & Meggon1992: Michael & Bianca Grubbin' on BBQ Ribs.1992: Michael Getting Bianca ready for Halloween1994: Oooh You Scared Me!1997: I Got a Job! The newest sailor in the U.S. Navy2004: I'm too sexy for my shirt... Michael caught grabbing some rays.

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1161069401055238332006-10-16T23:02:00.000-07:002006-10-18T14:27:16.366-07:00

He may have been born to another mother, but on the 3rd of October 1975, the son I was destined to have was born. Michael John Freeman came into this world weighing a whopping 3 lbs 14 oz and we couldn't bring him home until he weighed at least 5 lbs even. I remember so well the day he was born but let me take you back a few days and some hours.....I got the call in Yuma, Arizona. Michael's Mom (

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1161012090588134942006-10-16T08:21:00.000-07:002006-10-31T02:58:32.993-08:00

The young boy who grew up to be the man you all know and love. Mikey's Favorite Aunt Lynnell sent me some photos to add to his Memorial Page. (I wanted to get these photos added as soon as possible.) Aunt Lynnell will post a biography of sorts very soon...1976: Michael's first nap on Auntie LynnellBrother and SisterMichael working on his first garden.Michael's First Garden, the fruit of his hard

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159836055943028102006-10-02T17:36:00.000-07:002006-10-04T20:16:41.480-07:00

This is where Mikey rests...the tree is planted in the spot where Mike stands in this photo.Posted by Marty

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159835785986696942006-10-02T17:33:00.000-07:002006-10-02T23:48:49.163-07:00

Posted by Marty

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159835600398377572006-10-02T17:31:00.000-07:002006-10-02T23:48:33.400-07:00

Posted by Marty

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159835463074611502006-10-02T17:29:00.000-07:002006-10-23T11:36:52.366-07:00

Posted by Marty

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159835371757292612006-10-02T17:27:00.000-07:002006-10-02T23:47:51.443-07:00

Posted by Marty

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159835237596781142006-10-02T17:25:00.000-07:002006-10-02T23:47:40.203-07:00

Posted by Marty

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159835151572515672006-10-02T17:24:00.000-07:002006-10-03T18:58:11.546-07:00

Posted by Marty

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159835015326048102006-10-02T17:22:00.000-07:002006-10-27T00:03:39.880-07:00

Posted by Marty

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159834900430542072006-10-02T17:18:00.000-07:002006-10-02T23:45:34.836-07:00

Posted by Marty

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159833994592383162006-10-02T16:44:00.000-07:002006-10-24T11:58:28.520-07:00

Tomorrow (Oct 3/06) marks Mikey's 31st birthday. I was talking with Brian today, and he and Julie are going to be paying Mikey's tree a visit tomorrow afternoon. I wish that I could join you guys, but I have to work all freakin' day that day—I'll be there in spirit, just as Mike will be.I miss that lil' knuckle head so damn much.....Mikey, I think of you every single day—never an hour goes by

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159807135884719522006-10-02T09:35:00.000-07:002006-10-02T23:51:10.133-07:00

Mike posted these pictures a while back on a site called CuteBoxers.comBelow each photo are Mikey's captions...Jayk and little bro Darby nappin'.Baby JaykJayk and PetePete is a friend's dog. You can tell Mikey was a proud Papa to Jayk and Darby.

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159564944683508972006-09-29T14:15:00.000-07:002006-10-15T11:52:22.173-07:00

Word is Jayk & Darby have settled well into thier new home with Bryanna & John... including stirring up mischief that Boxers are known for.Darby and his toy.Jayk taking a little break.Bryanna also included this quote which seems to exemplify Mikey:Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159388496368053162006-09-27T13:08:00.000-07:002006-10-27T00:08:31.943-07:00

Well kind of... Steve & Gerry got some little Boxer decorations for Mike's Memorial Tree.They're holding watering cans. I know they're silly, but Mike did dress his dogs up for Halloween! —Steve & GerryMany thanks to Steve and Gerry for being the caretakers of Mikey's Memorial Tree.

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159374830763890712006-09-27T09:20:00.000-07:002006-11-18T22:47:34.536-08:00

Many Tattoo Artist develop a close working relationship with thier clients. I asked Nik if he had any insight on Mikey's choices for his artwork...Mike mentioned one of the design's origins (that I remember), but it was the one he didn't get. He mentioned that it was one that was in his dreams. So, maybe he got one or more because he saw them in his dreams? He saw himself with a polynesian arm

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159302050943193472006-09-26T12:58:00.000-07:002006-11-22T22:21:43.846-08:00

From Nik (Mike's Tattoo Artist) Mike originally came to Island Ink Tattoo Studio looking for a big black and grey Dragon back in October of 2005. He told me that this was a birthday present from his (grandmother?). I drew one up based on the picture he brought but he didn't like it. I was thinking to myself that he was going to be a "problem customer", one that wants full control of the tattoo

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159290258941599772006-09-26T10:01:00.000-07:002006-11-18T22:48:57.063-08:00

Mike is now part of the U.S. Navy Memorial(Mike's photo should be uploaded soon.)If you would like to make a tax deduxtable dontation in memory of Mike, information can be found at their homepage: United States Navy Memorial

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1159080741578039462006-09-23T23:42:00.000-07:002006-09-26T10:41:03.023-07:00

Mikey's notice from the Northwest Navy news website NorthwestNavigator.com.Current URL as of 23 September 2006: NAS Sailor Laid to Rest

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158610385248639962006-09-18T13:12:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:25:25.353-07:00

The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation MedalPosthumously awarded to AW2 Michael John FreemanABOUT THE MEDAL:Authorization. ALNAV 11 of 11 January 1944 authorized the Navy Commendation Ribbon, and on 22 March 1950, the SECNAV established the medal pendant for this award. On 21 September 1960, the SECNAV changed the name of the award to the Navy Commendation Medal. On 19 August 1994, the SECNAV

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158515422259975682006-09-17T10:46:00.000-07:002006-10-23T11:51:50.893-07:00

The annual (and tradtional) blue hair dye job.

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158416041861265772006-09-16T07:06:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:37:27.636-07:00

Watching Mike play with the boys was always comforting and fun. Here Mikey taunts Darby and Jake with the vaccuum cleaner. -Steve

Kristine Morelandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158415193555102392006-09-16T06:58:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:35:49.676-07:00

Kristine Morelandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158414553485260092006-09-16T06:45:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:34:43.310-07:00

One morning as Nick put the finishing touches on one of Mikey's last tats, I was convinced to get my nipples pierced by a very persuasive Mikey, - thanks buddy that shit still hurts... -Steve

Kristine Morelandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158414133137382402006-09-16T06:39:00.000-07:002006-10-23T11:58:00.566-07:00

Who said whipped cream in the morning isnt healthy? –Steve

Kristine Morelandnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158413901603248242006-09-16T06:31:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:30:34.186-07:00

Mike always had a way to make you smile, and peculiar decorating talent. -Steve

Kristine Morelandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158380685825066722006-09-15T21:24:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:17:49.863-07:00

Your memory burns bright boy, with every sunset, your spirit rises and soars above the skies and beyond.....you are missed. -Steve

Kristine Morelandnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158271399739281012006-09-14T15:01:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:15:47.043-07:00

It can almost be considered a Navy tradition to get a tattoo. Mike had several. The last one he got was of a Koi fish. Traditionally seen in the Irezumi style from Japan, Mike's was a variation in that is black and gray.The Japanese consider it the most spirited of fish, so full of energy and power that it can fight its way up swift-running streams and cascades. According to Japanese legend if a

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158216078430225372006-09-13T23:41:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:15:34.870-07:00

A group photo with a new MH-60s Knighthawk HELO arriving for the SAR teams.Look close sitting inside the HELO, there's our Mike!The Search and Rescue patch Mikey wore:

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158190074000865972006-09-13T16:22:00.000-07:002006-10-01T04:14:18.933-07:00

Special thanks to RP2(SW) Maila M. Castillo for sending me the program.Page One:The Patches at the bottom are for the Search and Rescue, US Navy and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.Page Two:Order of ServicePrelude: Corinne Bailey RaeOpening Prayer: Chaplain Brad Yorton Hymn of Faith: “Amazing Grace”Command Tribute: CDR Pete TurnerScripture Reading: Psalm 23Pastoral Consolation: Chaplain Philip

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158341982303786092006-09-13T09:17:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:15:03.103-07:00

AW2 Michael FreemanXO, Chaplain, Megan, Friends and Shipmates, The Commanding Officer, Captain Syd Abernethy and all of us in uniform thank you all for coming. He is currently on the east coast, but sends his deepest sympathies. Here we are, all stunned and in disbelief that this happened. It would be nice to tie this up neatly and make sense of the passing of a truly outstanding young man.

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158254298605519072006-09-13T08:17:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:14:30.690-07:00

The beginning of this week, AW2 Michael Freeman died of several strokes, surrounded by his sister, his Commanding Officer, and his best friends. In this place we now gather our many different beliefs, and join them in aprayer of hope. This ceremony is not a time for explanations or justifications, though our questions hang just outside reach; and this is not a time of recriminations or

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158040168790751182006-09-12T02:08:00.000-07:002006-09-24T00:46:35.696-07:00

My tiny token for all of Mikey's friends and family. My apologies for not getting more pictures inside the chapel.Mikey's spirit takes flight. It was a symbolic moment for everyone.You can't help but smile when you meet Mikey's boys.(The original full resolution digtial pictures are to big to email. We will gladly send a CD of them, please contact us to let us know if you would like one.)

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158007629515582562006-09-11T13:43:00.000-07:002006-09-23T23:13:41.406-07:00

On Saturday, September 9th 2006, Marty and Thomas planted an evergreen tree in Mikey's favorite place in Washington - his old beachouse back yard. His old neighbor Steve, says that he will ensure that the tree grows to a healthy old age - for which we are very thankful. Thanks to Lynnell for purchasing the tree.Tommy and Marty's handywork.Mikey's TreeThe Program from Mikey's MemorialMikey's

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34101215.post-1158424269198208982006-09-08T11:33:00.000-07:002006-11-18T22:37:29.173-08:00

AW2 Michael John FreemanOctober 3, 1975 - September 4, 2006For Mikey's Friends & FamilyTo every end there is a beginning. This is a humble point in space, in the billions of pages that make up the worldwide web, where we can share about and remember Mikey.On Monday, July 31st, 2006, Mike suffered a massive stroke in the brain stem. Mike survived, but suffered "locked-in" syndrome. For more than a

mikeysfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14844468768265214735noreply@blogger.com3