Loving, compassionate, free spirited, afraid of nothing, one of a kind
Mikey dreamed of opening a treatment center called “Lost and Found” to support all people who suffered from substance use disorder. He wanted to change the world. Even during the worst years of his struggle, he remained positive, telling his mom, Sandy, “I’ve got this, Mama. Can’t wait to make you proud.” He wanted nothing more than to get sober. Although he never got to see his dreams come alive, three of his good friends have been sober since the day he died. They say that Mikey saved their lives.
Growing up, Mikey loved to spend time with his little brother, Zachary. He took him under his wing, reading to him, and teaching him to walk and use the bathroom. Mikey would take Zach to the swings in the park to see how high he could go, both of their faces shining with joy; he took his role as big brother seriously. Michael Miller was Mikey’s best friend since they were six months old and a mentor during his struggles. His dear friend, Jennifer Mihalovich, also cared for Mikey, and her children adored him. Dina Emberlin, or “Donkey” as she is affectionately called, was Mikey’s other mother, and has many sweet memories of him. Mikey’s father, Joseph, also enjoyed a close bond with his son, one of mutual adoration and love.
Mikey loved music, writing poetry, working construction at his Uncle Ed’s company, and meeting new people. Although he was not very fond of school–valuing knowledge outside the classroom more–he earned his GED, one of his proudest accomplishments. During Christmas Mikey transformed into a baker and decorator, making his own presents for friends and family and taking painstaking care in wrapping each one.
Mikey’s substance use disorder was confusing and frustrating for Zach as he grew up. He often worried about his brother and did not understand what was going on or where he was. Zach still thinks about his older brother every day, writing, “I will miss you and love you for the rest of my life.” Mikey’s friends and family did everything they could to help him in his struggles, but it was a relentless and vicious struggle without enough resources. They could ultimately only watch helplessly as Mikey got more desperate, running out of options.
In his wake, Mikey’s mother Sandy has pledged to fight to change laws about how substance use disorder is viewed. “I help with the fight to stop the stigma and to help prevent other deaths that are preventable. He will never be forgotten, nor will the rest of the lost souls,” she stated.
Mikey’s mother, Sandy Emberlin, provided the information for this narrative
August 23, 1989-December 23, 2017-Age 28
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Livia Cohen
