Hi, my name is Sari. I am setting up fundraising to help out my co-worker, Tanya who lost the love of her life, Michael unexpectedly and tragically on Saturday, June 29th, 2024. They both just built their lives together last year and the lives they just started got crushed suddenly with tragic death of Michael. Funeral was today, July 11, 2024. Michael left Tanya and her 12-year-old daughter Mercede suddenly. I am raising funding to help Tanya with the funeral and her living expenses, moving to another apartment which she can’t afford only with 1 income.

This is Tanya’s goodbye letter which was read at his funeral today.

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Tanya, Michael's girlfriend.

Michael was my best friend and the love of my life. We met at just 17 years old back in school at Churchville and we were inseparable. We always had the greatest times together, always making each other laugh. After High School sadly we drifted apart and lost touch going our separate ways in life, but he was never forgotten. He had started a fire in me that never died. In the years to come we kept crossing paths, near misses, and almosts until finally he found me again and we reconnected. That was the happiest day of my life. It was like we started right where we left off all those years ago and didn't skip a beat. We would reminisce and laugh about all the times we tried to get in touch and find each other all those years ago, but then came to the realization that it probably just wasn't our time yet. I never understood what it meant when people would say "When you know-you know" Until Michael. Intuitively we always knew it was each other from the first time we touched hands and held each other as just kids. It was just a matter of timing. He was without a doubt the one, My soulmate, My person, my other half, my one and only forever and always. Our story wasn't over and goodbyes hurt the most when the story isn't finished and the book has been closed.

Baby,

Thank you for being you, for sharing your life with me, for giving your heart to me, for choosing me, for sharing your love with me, and for inspiring me to accept myself for helping me see the unique beauty in imperfection for showing me that love is something you do something not just to be said, but also to be shown. I never experienced a love so real and true as to ours. I'm grateful for all the time we shared. Our story wasn't over, but I appreciate every moment we shared, every laugh, every kiss, every hug. Thank you for making me the happiest I have ever been. For the first time in my life I didn't have to try to be happy-it just happened. You made me complete and whole.

My mind still struggles to accept the reality that you are no longer here with us. Everyday I wake up hoping it was a nightmare then reality strikes hard.

I miss so many things, but more than anything I miss your voice, your touch, that contagious laugh that will forever echo in my heart, and your smile that will light up a room. I miss the way you would look at me as if I'm the only one you see in the room. You were such a beautiful person with a big heart-always caring about others and putting them first. Your big heart radiates warmth and kindness, always making others feel valued and loved in your presence. The only thing deeper than the pain of losing you was our love. I miss you everyday and I'm feeling lifeless and numb without you. However, I'm forever grateful for every day that I got to have with you. I wasn't ready to say goodbye. We had so many future plans, goals and dreams to achieve together. We were supposed to grow old together. It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn't go alone. A part of me went with you.

With this final goodbye the grief hangs heavy like dark clouds around my heart. You will forever stay alive in my memories and in my heart. I will forever cherish the times we had together. You will never be forgotten.

Until the day we meet again, may your beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.

I love you! FOREVER and ALWAYS

Love yours truly-

Your baby girl, Tanya