One of the most remarkable headstones I have ever seen.
I can hear Mikes words now if he saw this... "those suckers, they put my picture on it and everything!"
Several weeks ago I was speaking with my friend Mike Maxwell. Mike knew he was not going to recover from the cancer that he had been dealing with for three years. Mike knew he was going to die and he knew it would be soon. During the conversation Mike shared with me that he was right with God and knew he would be in heaven soon. He arrived there today just before 4:30AM.
My most recent conversation with Mike came last Monday night via a text message. Here is what he said... Just wanted to say thanks for everything you've done for me over the years especially your work on this benefit. My health has really deteriorated over the last weak or so. Again thanks and I'll see you when I see ya.....mike
The message was just 226 characters long but I knew Mike was saying goodbye. Tears filled my eyes and I did my best to change the subject. In the end I ask Mike what he wanted me to post on his behalf here on this site. This is what he said... Just thanks from me and the family and what ever else you can string together I trust ya.
I have known Mike all of his professional career. In fact, I was one of his academy instructors so I was there from the start. Over the past 20 years I have seen officers come and go. There have however been few that have exhibited the dedication and “get it done” attitude that Mike demonstrated from start to finish.
The majority of law enforcement officers “hope do make a difference” Mike Maxwell did more than “hope”. Mike delivered the goods, and then some. For Mike being a law enforcement officer was not a job it was a calling.
There will never be another 436 at the Sheriff's Office. Mike's number has been retired. It has been my honor to be a friend and coworker of Mike. It is now up to the rest of the law enforcement community to pick up where Mike left off. It is up to us to “Make a difference every day.”
At the beginning of this posting I said that Mike knew he was going to die. The fact is so are you and I. We may not know in advance, but it is going to happen. You do not have to be old or in bad health. Be ready to go. Treat others with kindness today because you may not have another chance.
I don't think Mike was much of a country music fan but I feel this song outlines Mikes attitude about life. Hey, he did say he trusted me...right?
From the friends of Mike Maxwell page,
we say THANK YOU for your support for the Maxwell family. We
understand that this event could not have been possible without the
hard work of volunteers and the donations that were made. Thank you.
Below you will see a list of many of
our local businesses who make donations to ensure the success of this
event. Please support those who supported us. Thanks again.
Over the past few weeks this page has received over 12,000 visits as the viewers sought information on “The Friends Of Mike Maxwell”. On this page we have shared a very small sample of the items that will be available at the auction THIS SUNDAY.
At this point nearly 150 items will be available and there will be both “live” and silent auctions taking place.
The donation of items to be sold is just part of the process. For this benefit to be successful WE NEED YOU to attend the benefit and we need you to BID on the items!
The response so far to help Mike and his family has been overwhelming to everyone involved. Now is the time to FINISH STRONG. Continue your support, attend the benefit, bid on the items and share this information with your friends.
This event will be something special and you will remember your involvement for years to come.
Join us and become “A True Friend Of Mike Maxwell”
