Keys Wilson

The last time and the biggest memory I had of Michelle was last month in Indianapolis.

When I attended the Cadets' finals breakfast, I jumped in line, just to find Jeff Sacktig standing as well. My heart jumped in excitement, knowing that he and Michelle were going through a battle of a lifetime, yet they managed to make it to DCI World Championships. I consider Jeff one of the biggest mentors as a Cadet, someone I truly look up to, as for many Cadets over the years.

Anyway, I asked if Michelle was around, and he said she was just down the hall. I jumped out of line, forgot about the food, and saw Michelle sitting on the bench with her dad. I wondered if she forgot who I was at the time since marching in Cadets 2007 and 2009. To my amazement, she knew exactly who I was, yet I do not have a memory of speaking with her during tour. I shook her hand, and I forgot about the cancer because of her spirit as a person.

Worried, I asked her how the treatments were going. I just couldn't wrap my head around every twist and turn in the battle of cancer. Again, Michelle's response blew me against the wall.... "There's just some bumps in the road,

that's all."

What could be more difficult in life than fighting cancer, and yet every obstacle that comes your way, you simply treat it as a bump in the road? That's not all. Jeff came over to check on Michelle, and Michelle responded with "I'm great! Ready to eat!" Another response that blew me away. This is how I was convinced that Michelle would win against cancer. We all know her from that beautiful, positive smile and personality, but if I remember Michelle with one word... RELENTLESS. Relentless in the pursuit of victory. With the bumps in the road, we simply slow down until we pass through. The trick is we are still heading towards our destination. Nothing else changes. And that's what I have learned from Michelle.

My biggest regret thus far in my life is I never hugged Michelle when I had the chance. Leading up to last weekend, that thought plagued my soul as Jeff shared the last updates on Michelle's last hours. I promised myself that I will hug her one more time physically, but after hearing the news, my body numbed in shock and I was in regret for many hours. But this is simply the set up for life, for we do not comprehend why we cannot turn back time to fix a mistake, or to tell that person you love them when you had the chance.

One thing I understand with every conviction... Michelle lost the battle physically, but she won the war spiritually. By living relentlessly to brighten our days and teach us how to live a good life, with our choice of attitude, Michelle has won in spirit. I can imagine God must have looked at her and then said "Well done Michelle.. You can come in now."

I want to thank Jeff for sharing every detail of the year-long journey, making all of us a part of the family. I also admire his example of love, an incredible love story, and a standard we all need to strive for. The final thing I have is this... The next time something difficult comes in my path, I will repeat Michelle's response and say... "It's just a bump in the road," and continue on to my journey until I win the war. Thank you Michelle, and I love you.