A dear friend

On Friday, June 1st, we lost a dear friend of ours, Micah Daniel Potter.  Our kids loved Micah almost as much as we did.  Sometimes they didn't know whether to laugh at him or take him seriously, which was pretty entertaining.  Personally, I have some great memories of Micah that I would like to share.

1990-1991 - This was my sophmore year in high school.  I would walk to Michelle's house with her for lunch once or twice a week, sometimes more.  Sometimes her Dad would make us his famous chicken wings (which I had never had before then).  I remember the first time I met Micah, and the only reason I think it was during this time is because it was during the day at his family home that I met him, but I could be wrong.  Anyways, I remember one of the first thoughts about him was, "Wow, he's a little odd."  I remember thinking that he was nothing like David (his little brother), they looked related, but that's about it.  Every time I went to Michelle's and Micah was home, he was always singing.  I never knew any of the songs he sang, but when he sang he was in the zone.  He was also very intimidating to me because his voice seemed so loud, which was something I grew to love.

Sometime in 2004 - Picture it - a ward talent show.  Minty had talked a few of us into singing a goofy song with actions, which we did.  One of the memories I have of that night was Micah whistling & yelling while we performed our silly song (which I have on video if anyone would like to see it!).  When our little performance was done, he was among the many that hooted & hollered for us.  Good times.

Summer, 2006 - We were eating dinner at the Potter home & the kids were playing outside.  Sam came running inside yelling "Trevor's in trouble!".  A few moments later, Trevor walks in the back door with Micah & has a sheepish look on his face, and Micah was holding a green pepper (from his garden) that had a huge bite taken out of it.  Trevor had helped himself to Micah's pepper - oops!  He knew from that moment on to NOT touch anything in Micah's garden!  The best part is that while Micah was pretty irritated, he couldn't stop himself from smiling.  Trevor giggles every time we talk about that memory.

Spring/Summer, 2007 - I lost count of how many times the Potter's ended up at our house (or us at theirs) to snack on fresh artisan bread dipped in olive oil & vinegar, it was just something we always did with them from this point on.  Anyways, I remember one of the times they stopped by our house with a fresh loaf - Sam was sitting next to his Dad at my island eating a green apple (his favorite) & he started asking Micah all kinds of weird questions.  As the conversation went on (and on, and on), Micah's voice got louder (and louder, and louder) until it was booming, just like his Dad's voice.  I remember thinking for an instant that Dan Potter was in the same room with me, and from that moment on I thought about him every time I heard Micah's booming voice.

Spring, 2009 - Brad & I were a Ma & Pa on our Stake's Pioneer Trek.  Micah was a member of the Stake YM Presidency at the time & attended the trek.  From the first moment he was a member of our family.  He walked with us, did all of the activities with us, cooked & ate dinners with us, and hung out with us.  One of my favorite pictures from that trek is the one of our family & Micah.  Brad's arm is around Micah & it seems like it just belongs there.  Our 'kids' grew to love him & learned about hard work from following his example, from chopping wood to chopping onions - he got it done.

For as long as I can remember - Anytime we questioned anything, the answer would usually end up being "Ask Micah".  What kind of tree is that?  I don't know, take a picture of it, text it to Micah & ask him what it is..... What does this word mean?  I don't know, let me call Micah & ask him...... Why does this flower grow in your garden, but it doesn't grow in mine?  You know who will know?  That's right - ask Micah.  I've already caught myself a few times over this last month & having to stop myself from saying "Ask Micah". 

The memories I have from the last 3 years have become somewhat sacred to me, and I hold them pretty dear to my heart.  I will never forget Micah Potter, and I will always feel the impact he had on my life & the life of my little family.

I love you Micah & miss you dearly.  Until we meet again!