Michael D. Collins

My favorite memory of Mikey was when we got tatted together. He got that V on his neck that everyone gave him crap over (his ex´s name started with V and that´s not why he got the tattoo). I got this stupid little flower on the cartilage in my ear. I was just thinking of him and how long it has been since I heard from him. I know he had a phase he really wasn´t proud of but the last time we spoke he was making a name for himself. He was kind and caring and I wish I didn´t find out this way. I hope that he got to live a life he was proud of.

I remember us playing call of duty and other games together. He introduced me into ramen and hot sauce and pretty much to hot sauce in general. Oh and takis. Once he went somewhere else and me and my younger brother moved, we drew apart but I always thought about calling him again but I thought it'd be awkward. We went on a cruise together with my family and our bond was strengthened for a short amount of time. Then we drifted apart again. I didn't see it till a couple weeks ago but he sent a message and I never saw it or responded. I've been thinking about how I could've been a better brother towards him and what I could've done that maybe could've prevented it. I should've played with him more often like my younger brother did. I should've spent more time with him on the cruise instead of just wondering. Before he passed I only had one constant thought in my head and it was just my partner but now I have two constant thoughts. Ever since he passed all I think about is him and what I could've done better, even if it wouldn't have changed what happened. I'm glad he was happy with his friends and new person towards the end. He deserved those days of happiness. I'll always miss him.

That last week I spent with him back in August 2023 was truly the best week of my life. It was amazing to see him again one last time. I wish I had hundreds of memories to think about but sadly I only have a few. But I'll definitely always cherish when we were playing super smash bros and eating pizza, or laughing and talking for hours on end. He was always super fun to talk too, amazing person really. He always knew just what to say.

My memories with him were brief, but impactful. Man bun had such a kind peaceful personality. I remember sitting on the couch listening to a large range of music. Our favorite was, "If the world was ending" by JP Saxe. He was always patient with me and rarely got angry. We would vibe out and I would tease how I would steal his cat because he was so cute and full of character. He had a way of rationalizing and humbling my anxiety and fears.