What do I think of when I think about Michael Black? I think of the most selfless person I have ever met, I think of the way he loved every person from the most popular kid to the kid everyone picked on, I think of his blonde hair blue eyes and his stunning smile that captivated everyone, I think of my brother.
The first time I had the pleasure of meeting Michael was in 2007. I flew out to Colorado to spend Thanksgiving with the BlackTribe in the Springs. I had never met my aunt Lisa’s (or mama black as I like to call her) new husband, Gary, or the four Black boys Tyler, Michael, Caleb, and Noah. I was so nervous before meeting them but I have never felt more welcomed or more loved then when I met the Blacks. This trip is also the first time I heard of the World Race thanks to Gary Black.
This past year I took a road trip out to Colorado to spend my spring break with the Blacks. I had already been accepted to the Race and we were going to have a party with previous racers so they could share their the stories with me and tell me what I needed to prepare for. What happened that night was not what I expected as God was answering a prayer I had been praying for 20 years. Tyler spoke holding back tears and asked me to become the 5th Black brother. As the 5 Black brothers stood and embraced each other in a huddle there was not a dry eye in the house. I had been wanting this my whole life and what better brothers to have. Words cant express how grateful I am for that night.
After spring break was up Michael, his girlfriend Alexis, and I road tripped from Colorado to St. Louis where Tyler lived and attended College. We spent a couple days there and I was back off to Kentucky. When I went back to college things weren’t the same. I missed my new family and how much fun we had together. As soon as the semester was over I found myself driving out to Colorado to live there for the summer.
I arrived at the Blacks house around midnight. Everyone was asleep and after 16 hours of non-stop driving that’s exactly what I was about to do. Michael was asleep on the futon and I laid down on the love seat and fell asleep. Michael woke up early to catch the bus with his rugby team the Grizzlies to Salt Lake City, Utah where the Rugby National Championships were being held. As soon as he saw that I was on the couch next to him, he took no time in jumping up and down on me showing his excitement that I was there. Gary, Caleb, Noah, and I were in the car a couple hours later on our way to watch both Mike and Tyler play in Salt Lake.
The first game Mike played was against Tribe formally called Highlands Rugby the movie Forever Strong is made after. If you’ve seen the movie you know that you can count Tribes losses on your hands and feet for the past 20 some years. They are dominant team. As the two teams battled it only seemed appropriate that it was pouring the rain. With only minutes to play the Grizzlies scored a field goal to take the lead and win the game. It was the best game I have seen in any sport. Sadly they ended up losing in the next round. Tyler’s team on the other hand kept winning until they found themselves playing for the National Championship. The National Championship game wasn’t even a contest as Tyler Black and the Lindenwood Lions won the National Title.
After the games were over we were on our way back to Colorado. This is where Michael and I’s story begin. From the beginning of the summer till the end we did just about everything together. We were in the car one time and I played “Just a friend” by Biz Markie and Michael fell in love. He had that song on repeat everywhere we went from then on. Sometimes I just wanted to rip the radio out of the car I heard the song so much. Now it is one of many great memories I shared with Michael that summer. Like I said we did everything together, we worked together, sweat together, where Michael went I went.
Through the thick and the thin I was there for Michael and he was there for me no matter what. We developed a strong bond that was unbreakable. He taught me how to love everyone. His love for people is astonishing. He taught me so much this summer I can only hope I taught him some things.
Now to the memory I hold dear to my heart and is my favorite memory I have with Michael. We were at Buffalo Wild Wings eating just the two of us talking laughing having a good time. Then Mike looked down like something was wrong then looked back at me with tears coming down his face then said “ Tyler I don’t think I’ve ever told you how much I love and appreciate you. Your not afraid to be you, you don’t care what people think about you, your Tyler Hunt and no one else, I just want you to know I respect the hell out of you man and so happy I can call you my brother.” I will never forget that as long as I live.
As summer was coming to a close it was time for me to head back home. Caleb and I decided to take a road trip to Michigan then to Kentucky. While I was in Michigan Mike called me and said he was trying to come on the World Race with me. I could here the excitement in his voice and I was praying he would be able to come. Unfortunately, he was unable to and I just said I’ll see you when you get back.
A couple nights ago I logged on to Facebook to find some horrific news. I found out that Mike had passed away. When I heard the news I ran outside fell on the ground and broke down. He was gone… not for a day, not for a month, not for a year but gone gone.
Mike: miss you a bunch man!! how is the race going?!
Me: miss you too bro!! cant wait to see you when I get back!! its going good! Im in kenya right now then one more month in africa in Tanzania then off to eastern europe to finish the last 2 months. Hows everything going there?
Mike: thats awesome man! and i cant wait to see you either, it has been way to long! things arn't to bad, i am just trying to finish this semester strong but the work is kicking my butt!
Me: Thats awesome man!! good to hear! yea homework sucks haha but its got to be done. We will have a great time when i get back. Miss and love ya bro!!
This was the last conversation I had with Michael Black just three days before he took his life. Everyone knew Michael was amazing but Mike himself. Michael had been battling the mental illness of depression, and in a moment of deep despair Tuesday night he took his life. Words can’t express the sorrow and grief I feel. He was my best friend… he was my brother… he is my hero. As I sit here typing this I can’t contain the tears from coming down my face. I lost a brother but Heaven gained a great angel. Michael was not able to join me on the World Race physically but now he is walking with me every step that I take. His love has touched so many lives. Im glad I can say I was apart of the amazing life of Michael Black. He will be truly missed. “ Heroes are remembered but Legends never die” I love you Michael.
