Rosalind Robinson
Mike was one of the kindest and caring persons that I've ever encountered. He always had a smile and a positive response regardless of the topic.
I met him 20 years ago after founding my housing agency, when he sought me out to become a partner. Mike was in the process of rejuvenating neighborhood programs and activities at the Salvation Army's Magness Potter Center located in East Nashville. That turned out to be the best partnership in my professional career.
Because Mike looked at the world through eyes filled with love, he just saw things differently. While in his presence you just could not contain any negative emotions, i.e. anger, fear, discouragement, etc. His responses were always so uplifting and non-judgmental. He not only loved others, but he respected your right to be as a child of God. He liked conversing with you to weigh your opinion against his thoughts and you felt the same way. His winning smile was always the clincher.
There are so many stories that I could share from our friendship, but the one remembered most that still brings a smile to my face and heart is when my Mom died. Mom had become ill soon after I started my housing agency and I cared for her until her death. Mike never failed when seeing me to give encouragement and inquire about her health. When he learned through me followed by a torrent of tears that she had passed, he said nothing. He just looked at me with his kind eyes, passed me a tissue and a beautiful small black china doll. The gesture made me laugh. It was so Mike. If you don't know what to say - say nothing. Just be kind.
