Josh Czichas
As of today, it has been 5,005 days since Michael left this earth.
Michael was my best friend. I looked up to him not only because he was my older brother, but because of the kind of person he was. He was a leader.
I'll be turning 35 soon. Michael was 25 when he passed away. Realizing that I've now lived 10 years longer than my oldest brother ever got sure puts life into perspective.
Michael has no idea about things like COVID, Trump's presidencies, or any of the other events that have taken place in the world since then—some for the better, some for the worse.
I have two children he never got the chance to meet and never knew he would be an uncle to. He was literally a rockstar in real life, and I have no doubt he would have been one for them too.
Michael was an amazing musician. To this day, I still wonder how he became so good at guitar at such a young age. He definitely earned the nickname "Shred-a-saurus-rex." I remember going to countless shows throughout my childhood. I'd watch him on stage effortlessly flipping his guitar behind his back while ripping through solos effortlessly. One memory that always makes me smile is when he was practicing the guitar flip at home and the strap came loose, sending the guitar crashing to the ground. Thankfully, we were standing in the grass, so nothing was damaged. That's just one memory out of thousands that I'm grateful to have and will always cherish.
It's currently 4 a.m., and I'm writing this while at work. I don't really have a plan for this other than to show my respect for Michael and remember the incredible person he was.
Miss you, brother.