Mike Austin

This past Saturday night was a hard one to stomach.  Leven and I had been over in Shreveport at the boats all weekend when we get a devasting phone call that my mother in law's husband had a heart attack.  It was crazy and unexpected.   We got the phone call just before 9:00 and they got Mike to the hospital and all seemed ok.  They were going to go ahead and prep him for open heart surgery.  But he never made it.  Shocked is the best word to describe this feeling.  We got another phone call just after midnight about his passing and Leven and I loaded up our things and headed back to Longview.  Leven did not want his mother to be alone during this difficult time. 

We aren't sure why things like this happen.  We continue to ask the question "why" over and over.  Ann had found a wonderful guy that adored her and was to spend the rest of their lives together.  One minute you're together next minute you're not.  It breaks my heart.  I can't even imagine what she is feeling right now.  I only pray for healing and understanding. 

I started this blog 5 years ago for Ann and Mike.  I wanted them to be able to keep up with our crazy busy lives.  And I know they read it all the time.  Taydem adored Mike and Mike adored her.  They were buddies.  This picture of them together on the four wheeler was something they did together every time we came to visit.  Their mailbox was a long ways away so Mike would take Tay on a ride to get the mail.  Ann and Mike always had mail in their mailbox for Taydem.  She couldn't wait to open the mailbox up to look for her name on one of the envelopes.  Inside the card was usually a dollar or two and she loved it! Poor Mike was slap worn out everytime we got ready to leave because of Taydem.  They loved getting in the "swimming pool" (their hot tub), taking nature walks on their trails, feeding all the animals, playing the drums and doing their indian dance, and opening presents! Mike always had a gift for Taydem.  In other words, he spoiled her and she loved every minute of it.  She doesn't understand at all what has happened.  She asks about her Grans every hour it seems like.  We will miss Mike.

Mike was also in the military where he served this country great! Just look at all his medals. Not one but two purple hearts were given to him because he saved two lives while in Vietnam. We never knew of this story because he was such a humble man.  He had been shot in the head and still managed to drag two men from a tank before it exploded. Wow!!!   Gives me chills just thinking about it. 

Please continue to pray for my mother in law, Ann.  Bring her peace Lord and understanding. 











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