Kind Words from Long Ago...

Shortly after my father passed away (over 3 years ago--already--crazy), I received this email from one of my close college buddies; Ryan. I always saved the email, cuz it was just so special and it warmed my heart. I was just going through my emails and clearing them out; when I happened upon his words. I asked him shortly after the fact, if he would be okay w/ me posting the note. He said that was fine, but I realize I never did. So I want to do so now. He's referencing "Sid's Apple", my first screenplay. Thanks again RNH, you rock! I miss living next door to you and enjoying those "special nights". HA!

Here it is.

"My God Michael,

I had been so wrapped up in my own writing that I hadn't been keeping up on my Klugula reading. I had no idea that your father had past away or of your journey back home (and now back home to Chicago).

Of course my thoughts are now entirely with you.

Sorry for not writing sooner.

I'll remind you how much I loved Sid's Apple and that I love it not only because of its simple genius but because of its heart, which is of course your heart. For me, it is impossible to separate the two but it seems equally impossible that anyone else reading it (or seeing it one day) could not be moved by its examination of the people (not characters) that you have brought so vividly to life.

My own work has always been more concerned with ideas, or the idea of humanity (often but not always at the expense of actual 'humans'). That's me so no need to fit my squareness into any round holes, I guess.

But that's always been the riddle of my friend, Mike. The bloodthirsty horror hound with far reaching human empathy, depth of self-evaluation and an endless fascination of other people; whether it be a pop diva, an alien from V: The Final Battle, an empty chalice of a character in a play that you can pour yourself into, or the person living down the hallway from you.

I also greatly admire your sense of justice. And for my own part, I personally feel less alone in the world when I hear you say you hated Transformers.

Sorry to get so gushy. But there you go.

Take good care and get some rest."