Please donate to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Honor of

Michael Fijalka. 

A young man taken from us far too soon by cancer.

Today we acknowledge a really terrible loss. Michael Fijalka was, as you all know, exceptionally hard working, infinitely fair-minded, and most importantly, a fierce, fierce friend. Therefore, I feel you have the right to know exactly how he died....  More important, you need to know how he lived.  Not to tell you would be an insult to his memory.  He loved life, loved scouts, loved his friends and family.  There is nothing he would not do for them.   In his short life he touched many and although in that short life he spent half his time  fighting to stay alive.  Surviving four bouts of cancer, a blood clot to the brain, numerous other surgeries and troubles, he accomplished much in his short life. 

Michael developed a love of miniatures and started the family on many adventures and collections including model trains.  Thomas and Percy became his heroes and helped him survive the first two cancers.  Michael first and foremost was the epitome of a true Scout.  Earning the Arrow of Light and making true friends as a cub scout and Webelo, he overcame physical disabilities to make the climb to Viewing Rock at Goshen Scout camp as a Webelo.  As a Scout in Colonial District Troop 1509, he progressed through the ranks and had an impressive Scouting career, Eagle Scout at age 16, 54 merit badges, 6 additional Eagle palms, over 150 nights camping, attendee at National Jamboree, Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor, He also continued in Scouting with Venture Crew 80 and earned his Venture Silver award. In High school he found himself in his junior and senior year in the Theater Program.  He was in the cast for two musicals - 42nd Street and Guys and Dolls, which only increased his love of theater and music.  He was the lead in a student produced one act earning him accolades, an award, and entrance to the Thespian Society.  Michael became an accomplished miniatures game player and miniatures painter, opening a side business painting on commission.  He loved the game play and witty repartee, but was fair and even.  Michael gave back as well in service to his community and made every effort to help find cures for blood cancer, first as honored teammate for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training, but then as a team member for a century ride and a half marathon.  In all he raised over $8,000 for research and support to cancer patients. 

Michael loved all things Disney, including our many cruises.  It opened his eyes and made him a man of the World.  Michael also completed college, despite the many setbacks in his path, completing his Undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Arts in History, with a minor in Theater, both loves of his life.  Michael has been taken from us way too soon and he was certainly not done showing us all by example how to be physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.  He truely exhibited all 12 points of the scout law.  Now the pain we all feel at this dreadful loss reminds us, that though we may come from different areas and backgrounds our hearts beat as one.  The bonds of friendship made with him and around him are more important than ever. Remember all this and we'll celebrate a young man who was kind, and honest, and brave, and true. Right to the very end.

An angel donned his wings last night.

That's how I choose to look at the passing of my friend, Michael Fijalka.

When a friend or loved one passes on to the next life, there is a knee-jerk tendency to view the end of life on Earth through the lens of senseless loss; and, I admit, this was my initial reaction to the news of Michael's passing.

Yet, in reflecting on Michael's life, senseless is the last word to come to mind. And, loss doesn't work either.

Michael isn't lost to us. Michael is still with us. He is watching over us. Michael is a friend; he is someone you spend hours talking about history and philosophy with. Michael is a role model; he is the last person to ask for help, but the first person to offer it to others. Michael is funny; his dry wit and self-deprecating humour is infectious. In short, Michael is the person all of us aspire to be. His life on Earth was the definition of meaningful.

Michael never gives up - not on himself and not on others. He encourages all of us to pursue our dreams - no matter how long it takes us. Just last week, Michael was helping me figure out what path I wanted to take in my studies and, ultimately, in my career. He never pointed out how little sense it made for me to be pursuing a master's degree - I'm already middle-aged and pretty senior in my professional field. He knew I loved history and loved teaching. He never told me I was crazy to hang on to my dream; he encouraged me to pursue it.

It never dawned on either of us that he wouldn't be here on Earth when I finished my degree, retired and started teaching. We discussed working together in the future, as fellow historians. Even as we talked, I knew he was still fighting to remain with us here on Earth through round after grueling round of chemotherapy, but I never - not for a second - entertained the idea he wouldn't win his fight. And, he wouldn't have wanted me to.

For more than 20 years, Michael fought the good fight; longer than anyone should have to or anyone else likely could. He defeated cancer so many times we started to view him as superhuman. And, yet, Michael is the most humble spirit I've ever met. To Michael, fighting cancer is something you do, not something you are defined by. Still, I take solace in the fact the fighting is over for Michael. If anyone deserves a rest, it is him. He's earned it.

Heroes inspire us to be more than we ever thought we could be by modeling what is possible if you believe in yourself. Michael is that inspiration for me. He is my hero.

I love you and miss you, brother. And, I look forward to seeing you again.