Martin Hughes

Jeff,

I remember when Michelle and I were teaching The Corpsmen together and I realized that you and she were becoming a "thing." I remember thinking, "Really? Huh, didn't see that coming." She was this feisty, stubborn, gregarious, passionate, boisterous force of nature type of woman. You were quiet, understated, even-tempered and shy. Michelle wore her feelings like a badge on her sleeve. Yours were bored deeper and took effort to uncover. It didn't seem like a natural match at the time. But as I watched you together while your relationship developed, it all started to make sense. She was the kite and you were the string.

During those summers we taught together, Michelle and I had a lot of late night conversations on the bus about the future, our fears and aspirations. Oftentimes those talks would meander to the topic of marriage. She expressed a lot of negative feelings about it as a concept and lived up to her conviction that she wouldn't get married. Ironically, though, despite the absence of a certificate, veil, and ceremony, she was part of one of the happiest, most beautiful marriages we've seen. I always had a warm feeling in my heart when I thought about what a victory that was for her. She had been so afraid of repeating painful history from her past.

When Michelle was diagnosed, I had the same feelings that we all experienced. Anger, disappointment, fear, hope, confusion and helplessness. Watching her fight was no surprise. The dive in head first and come out swinging attitude was part of her essence. But seeing the way you held her up from the first moment to the last, sharing this journey with us, placing your heart in our hands as you supported and protected her was awe inspiring. Michelle adored you, saw the subtle but profound strength and passion inside you. But there was no subtlety about the light in your eyes when you looked at her. Your love for her was like a beacon no one could miss.

I think the feeling of helplessness is the worst part for those of us who love the two of you from afar. We would give anything to take away this pain for you and for ourselves, to undo the finality of what has happened. But the only thing that could make this better would be for Michelle to come back to us and live the long and healthy life with you that she deserved. We can't fix this, but we can continue to share the journey with you. We can continue to remember Michelle, honor her memory and pass on the light that she brought into our lives. That is what I am going to do and I know I speak for so many others who will do the same. When you are ready, we will all be here for you.