I met Mike , aka Jokeman, in our "youth" through a mutual friend from Ohio State, Nan DeTurk. She and Mike were members of the "super smart geek accountant's club" as I thought of them at the time. I mean that as the highest compliment, as it was a bit intimidating to someone who took slow learner algebra during my freshman year at OSU! But I soon realized that Mike and I were kindred spirits. We shared a love for a good laugh, the sun shining on our faces, the smell of the sea, the sand between our toes and yes, I must admit,the tipping back of a few brews. My memories of Mike are many and each one of them brings a smile to my face. He simply was one of the funniest, most intelligent, gentle, caring, and unconditional humans I have had the privlege to cross paths with in this lifetime. Although our lives took different paths, I carried him in my heart and the gift of friendship he gave me those many years ago. I took the liberty to change a few of the lyrics to a song that is familiar to most. I think it reflects our times spent together and the memories we made. Once upon a time there was a tavern Where we used to raise a glass or two I remember how we laughed away the hours And dreamed of all the great things we would do Those were the days my friend We thought they'd never end We'd sing and dance forever and a day We'd live the life we choose We'd fight and never lose For we were young and sure to have our way. Those were the days, oh yes those were the days Then the busy years went rushing by us We went our separate ways I'd think of you and that tavern often I'd smile and I'd say Those were the days my friend We thought they'd never end We'd sing and dance forever and a day We'd live the life we choose We'd fight and never lose For we were young and sure to have our way. Those were the days, oh yes those were the days. Just tonight in my dreams I stood before the tavern Nothing the way it used to be In the glass I saw your smiling face Staring back at me Through the door there came familiar laughter I heard you call my name Oh my friend we were older but no wiser For in our hearts the dreams were still the same Those were the days my friend We thought they'd never end We'd sing and dance forever and a day We'd live the life we choose We'd fight and never lose For we were young and sure to have our way. Those were the days, oh yes those were the days UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN MY FRIEND, REST IN PEACE AND SAVE ME A BEACH CHAIR ON THAT WARM SAND IN HEAVEN!