Elias Kurban

I've known Jeff since 1989, and have always known him to be a kind, thoughtful, genuine, smart man. A true friend to all who know him. I got to know and love Michelle over the last year through posts on the Smiles for Michelle Facebook group. Reading Jeff's posts and seeing the comments and pictures from those who know and love

Michelle well gave me a flavor of her vibrant, loving, kind, effusive personality--she and Jeff perfectly complement each other. This may sound strange, but when she would "love" the pics of my children and furry friends I posted in the group, I could feel Michelle's genuine appreciation and love reaching out to me.

Michelle is the kind of person who unmistakably radiates love and light to all with whom she comes in contact.

Although she has physically departed from our mortal, physical existence, I firmly believe her spirit--the substance that made her what she was--is still very much alive, and that she is closer to us than we might think. That's why I'm referring to her here in the present tense. The body is merely the cloak for the spirit. Despite the profound pain Jeff and Michelle's other family and friends must be feeling right now, in due time, and perhaps even soon, in the quiet moments--and it may not happen frequently, but it will happen--Jeff and many of Michelle's loved ones will feel her near, sense her marvelous spirit, and know she is watching over us.

I truly believe that one day, Jeff and Michelle will be reunited with glorious, resurrected, eternal bodies that will never again age, weaken, or get sick. And in that state of never ending youth and strength, they will share their love for eternity! The present physical separation--searingly painful as it may be--is but temporary. Love and family are meant to be eternal, not temporary. I believe this is Michelle and Jeff's destiny. I hope this brings some measure of comfort, peace, and hope, and helps you feel the love you both have shown so readily to others.