Old song lyrics keep popping into my head. The most frequent snippets are “Nothing compares to you” and “I’m alright, I’m ok, it only hurts when I breathe.”

When someone dies suddenly, those of us left behind had no chance to prepare ourselves for such devastation. I haven’t found adjectives to adequately describe my feelings.

Living so far away geographically since Mike was 18, I didn’t have the opportunity to meet very many of you personally. I knew many of you by your first name from stories Mike shared with me. The caring words of tribute that many of you have written have been a great comfort and I re-read them often. This has been an unexpected and wonderful value of social media. Without that, I would never have known. One of Mike’s close friends created an awesome photo album with copies of tribute statements including the names of the authors. I’ll add more from wonderful emails and texts that I’ve received. I had no idea that he had impacted so many lives in such a wonderful way.

Next weekend, many of his high school friends will gather in his honor. Like his dad, he loved being with a group of people who were laughing and fully enjoying each other's friendship. May that gathering be an opportunity to reset and relearn the precious value of friends.

Mike and I spoke frequently on the phone and he always, always ended the call with words of affection. I have challenged myself to more fully appreciate and acknowledge the love we feel. May we all become an even better version of ourselves. That’s what Mike would want.

The loss of Mike Hansen has left a huge hole in our hearts and in times of tragedy, it’s important for us to come together and support one another. Mike was a beloved member of our community and was a pivotal part of Doron Ofir Casting for the past 15 years.

We are raising funds to support his family and alleviate some of the financial expenses that have occurred from his passing. Mike touched the lives of so many and we are grateful for any contribution, no matter how small, that will help us honor his memory.

Mike was loved by many. He was a friend, a colleague, a brother, and most importantly a son.

We love you Mike, and our heartfelt condolences to his family.