Michael was my first Anthropology professor at UNC. Within the first few minutes of Michael's class I knew he was going to be a different and unique professor. What I didn't know is that Michael would be a force of inspiration in my life and become "mi Maestro de Vida". I went to the magical city of Oaxaca with him in 96, while he was working on Beds, Patios,and Streets. Wow! Everyone I met embraced me instantly because Michael had changed their lives and I was a student learning from him. Michael took the time to give me the tools and the connections to integrate myself into the culture. That experience was so powerful that I will always continue to learn from it and Michael will always be a piece of who I am. Michael taught me perspective, compassion, and how to celebrate Latin style! One of my favorite things that Michael used to say was, "societies and individuals need to celebrate commonalities and differences."
I thank you Michael for being so inspiring. And I really thank you for taking care of me when I was violently ill with dysentery (you poor man!). I was so ill I couldn't walk. Michael had to carry me from the car to the doctor. I remember lying in that doctor's room and Michael arguing with him. The only words I could make out were "hospital" and "muerto". Michael grabs the prescriptions from the doctor, picks me up and carries me out the door. He says, "that doctor wants to put you in the hospital. If I do that you'll wake up missing a kidney or something! I'm going to take care of you." And and he did. As my life is now happily filled with preschool and playdough, I thank you Michael for keeping me in the loop and for always staying in touch. Thank you for reminding me to celebrate African American History month. Mostly I thank you for believing in me. You set my mind on fire and I am so grateful that I got to be your student and your friend.
To Angeles, Rebeca, Erika, Jessie, Tristan, Siobhan, and Family,
My heart breaks for each of you. I wish there were words I could give but I haven't been able to find any that match the magnitude of your loss. Michael is a great man and I will miss him dearly. I will always be inspired by him. He was a true humanitarian.
Paz y Amor-
Carrie
Oh and Siobhan you are right your dad is a "righteous dude". It's been too long since we last saw each other ( I think it was Michael's retirement party in Greeley) but anytime you want to talk about your amazing father, I'm here.
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