MICHAEL OMER

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

• I'm sorry to hear this, much respect to the Omer family. - Posted by: Adam () on: Nov 28, 2015

• Some of my memories ... it will always make me smile when I think of Mike's - huge grin when the drum was played to 'startle' him & invite him to play along through echoing each other - 'sneak attacks' at the day program where he'd wheel up behind me and catch me by surprise with his chair or a gentle smack - laughing at silly faces, and while blowing leaves & scarves back & forth or making objects fall off the drum by playing really loud (or just swiping them off with his arm)- anticipating with a mischievous grin & inviting being imitated by stretching his arms behind his head, shaking his fist and hitting the chair or drum- sing HO AND BA - a joyful 'haay' and 'b-bye'- how he communicated gratitude through a deep breath and sitting back, smiling each time he appeared tired and I suggested he rest a bit.. Mike lit up around people. He liked being entertained but he seemed happiest when he was able to make someone smile. He loved to make me laugh during our music therapy sessions and it was fun to watch him tease staff at Teragy. He had so much joy in his heart and seemed so happy & content with just enjoying a laugh together and being seen and loved for who he was. That he also played more on the keyboard and was exploring different rhythms on the drum & with his voice seemed peripheral to just haVing happy moments together. Helen your family & Mike are blessed to have been linked for so long & I am grateful to have known you both. Thankyou so much (Tanya) - Posted by: Tanya ((music therapy)) on: Dec 04, 2014

• Michael was a wonderful man but a tough nut to crack. He would let you in only if he wanted. Otherwise Michael was happy to let you underestimate him and write him off and he liked it that way. The lucky few got to see his personality, his sense of humour and his sensitivities. He let us in and it completely changed our lives. 14 years ago Helen started respite at a group home that Michael lived in. He must have seen something special in Helen in Gord.... perhaps he already knew that Helen's rump would make an excellent target for his sucker punches. Maybe he could already see the best friend and fellow wrestling fan in Gord. Regardless Mike convinced Helen to keep him and with that, Michael was dropped into our lives. At first we weren't sure what to make of this little fellow. When his personality bloomed, his hilarious teasing started and we noticed his stature (about 5 apples tall), there was no doubt, he was one of the family! Helen and Gord only wanted the best for their special little man. They did their best to make sure that Mike experienced life to the fullest. He traveled with them wherever they went. Mike even went to Disney World and rode the dumbo ride in his wheelchair! Which, in hindsight, wasn't the best idea... Mike did not enjoy it but at least now he knew, that rides weren't for him. He's been to Vegas, Memphis and has probably seen more hotel/casinos than all of us. Those were his favourite, see Helen would let him push the buttons, she'd get excited and if he was lucky, a nice lady would bring him a coffee. That is, if he could grab them when they got close enough. Mike could not tell what you did for a living, that type of thing didn't matter to him... unless it involved serving coffee. Then he could pick you out in a crowd! Mike had his ups and downs over the years... not being able to always have the same cake as everyone else, the lack of refills on his coffee or sporting one of Helen's home haircuts. Life was good with the Frovich's but not without it's bad days. He was unafraid to let you know when you were being "BAH!" even if it was only because you wouldn't do as he requested. Mike had no problems being understood with a crooked point, a fist shake and a stern look. The "BAH!" was only added for emphasis. Mike loved to tease. He'd catch your eye and he'd shake his fist at you, at first, seemingly angry as though you had done something wrong. If you responded with a fist shake in return, he'd find it hilarious. He'd yell angrily when Dave would get in his wheelchair and roll away, but as soon as Dave would come back, Mike would point at the chair, asking him to do it again. Mike always took great pleasure in showing off his latest singing/ dancing toy or excitedly pointing out the babies in the room. His babies real or otherwise meant the world to him. A real baby would reduce him to a puddle of mush, being so gentle to not even touch. His baby dolls, he would stare at and adore and kiss. Seeing Mike with his babies always made us think that if life had handed him a different set of cards, he would have made such a doting father. The only thing that he loved as much as his babies, were mirrors. When he could still walk with his walker, his trips to the toilet would often be delayed by the handsome fellow en route. And do you blame him? That big grin and his iconic "Hiiii..." I think even Mike could not resist his own charm. Mike learnt a lot living with Helen and Gord. They taught him how to blow out birthday candles, how to stick his tongue out and that t-shirts can often act as birthday cards. It would not be uncommon for Mike to show up at your birthday with a personalized greeting written across his tee. He'd even get the markers out of his drawer when she'd take out one of his plain tees. He knew the drill, it was party time and he needed to get ready! We learnt a lot from Mike too. A few things he taught us were: * Let people underestimate you, it doesn't dictate who you are * Tease often * Laugh often * It's okay to occasionally pee your pants * If you want to wear band-aids, wear 'em. You don't need an excuse. * Soft socks make everything better * Hugs can sometimes turn into headlocks * Babies are the most precious things, always shower them with love * When something tastes good, let out a "Mmmmmm..." * Sit back, have a coffee and enjoy the moment It makes us unbelievably sad to have to already say goodbye but we have so many beautiful memories of Michael to look back on. So today, let's focus on these... all the times he surprised us, all the times he made us laugh out loud, his quirks, his charms, his talents and his unmistakeable charm. A man like that deserves a round of applause. - Posted by: Tracy () on: Oct 16, 2014

• To Michael's family - thank you so much for allowing gord and myself and my family the privilege to care for our little man Michael he filled our life with so much love, laughter he will be in our hearts forever and a day. Love to you all. - Posted by: Helen and gord (Foster parent) on: Oct 15, 2014