Nicholas,  I really don’t know how to put into words the immense hole in my heart you’re passing has left me with. I remember the so very proud feelings I felt sitting at all of your baseball games saying  to myself  “THATS MY BOY” . You were so good at baseball, you may have not hit the long ball but your quickness in running the bases as well as stealing a lot of them and your amazing fielding abilities made me so proud that you were my son. Your love of cutting hair also amazed me. You had many  hidden talents that you never really explored in you short time here, I can only imagine what life could have been if you had only put your strong mind into trying life a different way. But I now must rely on Jehovah Gods promise to us all found in his word the Bible at  John 5:  28,29  Acts 24: 15 and  Rev. 21: 3,4   That I will see you again, so until that time is upon me  I will say I loved you so very much and miss you everyday.

We had our ups and downs but we were family. We have some fun memories, one of my best memories  is the Christmas we spent together at Crystal's house just spending quality time together. We love and miss you always. 
Love,
 Stella, Dad, Roscoe and Crystal.

There were many intense day trips like this over the years, some lasting only minutes, some longer, as I transported Nick and Amanda from school to home, and later on, when Amanda seemed to be away on her own schedule (with her mother or grandmothers?) and Nick and I were left to pal around. One thing was always true:  when I forced Nick to consider new thoughts, new patterns, and new information, his mind expanded to meet every challenge.  Did he sometime think the whole learning thing was  a little odd?  Yes.  Less-than-cool?  Usually.  (At least at first, because I was so frequently far away, and it took time to get used to not just having fun, but learning along the way.)   No matter the circumstance, Nicholas always astounded me with his unexpected insights, his unusual ability to join me in speculating about the hidden processes that are so often invisible, or out of sight, because we're all moving so fast, and there's always so much to consider and deal with.  Once, late at night, with no stars in the sky, I asked him to consider how our eyes can see virtually nothing at first when we're plunged into darkness, then little by little, they adjust and we can detect what was at first hidden. Again, since Nick was like any normal boy growing up, considering such odd facts always struck him as kind of uncool at first, but he always went with the ball, and I think he always came away thinking a lot about our learning experiences. In my mind, Nicholas Adam Michael, my wonderful nephew,  you were always my young hero-in-motion. I love the way you thought and felt, your deep intelligence, your boundless energy and quick wit, and your deep, abiding love for your mother and sister.  I will always cherish the time we spent together. 
 You were always so much fun to be with, so alert and alive: saying goodbye to you you causes such deep, searing pain.   Sleep with God for now,  Nick,  until we meet again.  You were a uniquely beautiful soul.  We can never, ever forget you!

That trip through the art fair was one of the most memorable times of my life.  Initially, as we perused what were mostly paintings, I provided the insights, commenting on the artists' techniques, color choices, style and execution.  I felt at first that Nicholas was slightly amused at what seemed to him an odd day out (again) with his uncle, but he went along, and I knew that his mind would come alive, as it always did, and that I would see before me  - again - what I always came to regard as the young hero in motion and growth.  And Nicholas didn't disappoint me.  Even though he did not seem to be have exposed to art per se, his comments were quick, incisive, and as we went down the line, there was an inner excitement that took over him, and what hadn't been a cool exercise at all, at first, became a time of rich exploration.  Tears come to my eyes as I recall the wondrous sight of a young man discovering a world about which he had known little or nothing just minutes before.  When we completed that unusual trip into the world of mall art, Nicholas was both excited but became pensive on the way home.  I knew that he felt that something had really changed in those few minutes, yet couldn't quite put his finger on what that something was.  As for me, I saw a young man - always intelligent and quick-minded - blossom and grow in those few moments of intense thought, and knew our quirky adventure had paid off better than I had hoped.  (Actually, this was always true when the two of us were together.)

Fast forwarding, on quick trips homes, where visiting so many family members made it unlikely that I would have time to see everyone, I found myself watching over Nicholas at odd junctures, sometimes just for a few moments after school, sometimes for longer intervals.  Again, as my father had always tried to capture my mind when I was a kid, and make it more focused and productive, I tried to do the same thing when Nick and I hung out.  (What was he during those years ? - maybe ten to eleven.)  It was pretty clear to me that he valued our time together, and found our "day" trips, the eccentric uncle who was always testing him, or instructing him, or pushing him to think big.  Once we found ourselves at a big indoor mall art show.  I asked Nicholas if he wanted me to give him my impression of all the varied art on display, and he looked at me quizzically, as if to say, "really?!?"  But he went along with his oddball uncle, and I knew that as soon as we started down the very long line of paintings, drawing, etc., his mind would engage fully and I would see that same intensely intelligent, unique and thoughtful child come alive, the one I had always found so enjoyable to be around.  For me, it was always something of a sacred trust to help him to think, grow and learn. 

As an uncle living out-of-state for so many years, it always seemed that Nicholas grew from a little, energetic, intelligent boy to a young man almost overnight.  Along the way, despite the distance and the passage of time, Nick and I had many enjoyable times together on my visits home.  When he was young - very young - I would sometimes be entrusted by Grandma Michael with picking up Nick and Amanda  from elementary school.   So many vivid memories are left from those short trips from school to home.  As my father had taught me to drive when I was very young, so, too, did I teach Nicholas.  Was it legal?  No!  Was it fun?  Always!  In the early years, Nicholas would sit on my lap and hold on to the steering wheel as best he could manage, a little afraid at first, then gaining confidence and skill steadily as the years flew by.  Always from the back, Amanda provided apt commentary:  "Nick, you're too young to drive," or maybe, "What happens if the police stop us?"  or "You shouldn't be driving, Nick!"  And of course Amanda was right to question the wisdom of our driving lessons.  (The two kids had different personalities, but were always so close and protective of one another. )  Later, when Nicholas was a little bigger, he would sit in the passenger seat, and I would get him used to looking at the road  while he used his left hand to steer our way home.  At first, since he was barely able to see the road ahead, he would become apprehensive, and Amanda would be in the back calmly providing blow-by-blow commentary, always quizzical about our illegal venture, always concerned about her brother (and Uncle!).   But Nick was very coordinated, determined and focused, and we never had a mishap.  His confidence grew over the years, and though these trips were quick, and I was the escort only now and then, I came to love them both so deeply; they both had such beautiful minds and hearts, and loved and protected one another always.  They are both etched onto my heart.

My love Nick and I. We lived together, loved together, shared memories together, and so much more this picture was one of our favorites.
 I will see you in Heaven when it's my time 

  Love your babygirl, Tonya

Nick, We really had an unbreakable bond that nobody could take from us we had so many hopes and dreams for the future. Until I see you again baby please watch over me and Elijah he loved you so much as did I and I still do I don't believe it's real sometimes. But we know what we had and we know what we were going to do together.
       I love you forever and always,
           love, your fiance Tonya

My love Nick, I can't express how sad I am that you are not here with me. We really had true love we used to argue about who loved each other more we had so many good memories the only peace I have is knowing that I will see you again in heaven one day. I still can remember the day you asked me to marry you I thought you were joking until I saw your face.We choose 6-5-19 and couldn't wait to start a family. I don't have words for what has happened  but one thing I do know is our love was real,true and so passionate you're my one& only true love my soulmate& I know you're looking down on me as my guardian angel. I still catumch myself waiting bye the door for you to walk again. I love you so much Nick until I see you again please remember all the good times we've had and the love we shared.

Nick where do I start. My good memories of you date back to when we were just children. We were best friends at such a young age and you will live forever in my memories. From playing baseball in your front yard to going to your baseball games. Going on a cruise together or renting cabins up at houghton lake. Driving my neon out on the ice and going to our first Eminem concert. We grew up together and you were the closest I had to a brother. I will love you for life and never forget you. Rest In Peace nick and give grandma and aunt Robyn a huge hug for me. 

Oh Nick, we have so many wonderful memories of you. Watching you play baseball, playing frisbee out front, camping, Bambi Lake, playing with Thor, every Christmas morning when you, Amanda and your mom would come over and just watching you grow up into a handsome young man. Our prayers are with your Mom, Dad, Amanda and family. I can't imagine their pain and pray for comfort and God's grace to embrace them.

Nick, we shared different paths in life but there are no words that can express how much I loved you. I still have a hard time accepting that this has happened and still in total shock. I will always remember our good times from growing us as kids. I tagged along your side everywhere and always wanted to play sports with you. There were so many good memories. I'm glad we had a chance to share many of those on our family cruise. I love you very much and you will forever be in my heart. 

The Gaiera family would like to express there condolences. We remember when Nick and Anthony use to play baseball for coach Al and coach Ron, they both had such a love for the sport. RIP Nick

To cute . 

Tiffany,  Nicholas , Kelley , Michael .  “ Cousins “ 

They loved playing with Nick , as he enjoyed it . We all have fond memories in our hearts of you. 

Alice Michael . 

Nick I hope you are at peace now being with Grandma Cora. I remember watching you grow up as a little guy and I always thought about you  even though  we have not seen each other in years. Laura ,Whit and Amanda I am so sorry for your loss. Wish we lived closer so we could be there .

Laura , Whitley Amanda . & Family . 

My Deepest Condolences.   Nick I have to say you have etched fond memories in my heart . Loving the to play baseball . This picture is when you were very young at Grandma Cora’s house .  Always playing ball ,  you grew up to be a very handsome man .  Sometimes in life we all go through different battles Now you are in heaven with your Grandmothers  Cora & Louise . They both are so happy that their heart is with them now .  May The Lord Bless you all and encamp you with his utmost peace . 

Blessings & Shalom ..
John & Alice Michael  

RIP Nick. Thinking of you Laura and Amanda.

Nick I remember going to some of you’re baseball games when you were little and was amazed on the skills you had. I also will never forget the great time we all had on the cruise. Love you and will miss you but will see you again. Love uncle Larry

Nick, I remember the little boy with the rambunctious, curious, demeanor. I also remember going to your baseball games and being so impressed with your athletic ability. You were so good! As you grew your life took you in a different path and I always hoped you would someday get back to sports. You had a good heart and were a kind soul. You were loved by many. I will miss you Nick. I hope you are at peace. I love you my dear nephew. RIP. ❤️❤️❤️

I remember Nick with a fun loving attitude soft spoken voice and gentle hand shakes I'm sorry that we weren't able to become better friend's I will miss and always love you my nephew..

Hope Not Handcuffs

Visitation

Funeral Service

Laura Franklin

Whitley (Stella) Michael

Amanda Michael

He is also survived by his step-siblings, Ronnie and Crystal; aunts and uncles, Louann Zorn, Larry (Debora) Emanuel, and Paul Lemmex; and many cousins.  

Nick was preceded in passing by his grandmothers, Louise Lemmex and Cora Wareham.

OBITUARY

Nicholas Adam Michael

November 11, 1984 – March 23, 2018

Kaul Funeral Home

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