Thoughts on Mike Ross (1978-2010)

I did something that gave me great pause a few weeks ago; I buried a brother. Mike Ross, whom I went to Cal Poly with, and lived with for a year, died in an airplane crash on Sept 7. He was flying with his father, Bob, also a pilot, over Arkansas when their plane crashed. They both died in the crash; Mike was 32.

I do not have a biological brother. I told my mother to take my youngest sister, Esther, back to the hospital when she was born. I was six, but I had always wanted a brother. By the time I finished my year at the Joe (St Joseph) House in 2002, I felt that I had gained three brothers and two sisters. I have stayed pretty close to one of the men and one of the women, but I had let my relationship with Mike slide pretty bad. I had not seen him in the flesh for at least two years, and had not spoke or emailed him in a long time. Now, the opportunity to talk or visit Mike this side of heaven is gone.

Mike was a man of action, while I am one of contemplation. I remember after praying the Rosary one night for house prayer night at the Joe House, he said he really did not enjoy praying the Rosary that much. On the other hand, he served. He was a regular fixture at the Newman Center’s turn at People’s Kitchen, where the homeless of San Luis Obispo were fed daily. He took part in nearly every single housebuilding trip to Tijuana. Now, after death, I found that he was working for La Mancha Media, a non-profit that created online videos for other non-profits. He was also doing housebuilding trips to Tijuana every month. Mike was a source of God’s love and light in the world.

Recently, the 100th birthday of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta came and passed. Her ethos was to follow the great command of Jesus in Luke 25. “Whatever you do to these, you do unto me,”. This, I believe, was Mike’s approach to living his faith and life ingeneral.

This makes me stop, think, and demands that I examine my life. I try to live an honorable and faithful life. I feel like the young rich man who tells Jesus that he follows the commandments and asks what he must do to gain eternal life. Jesus tells him that he must sell all that he owns, leave his family, and follow. The young man cannot do this. At today’s dual memorial for Bob and Mike, no one talked about the the business that Bob ran or the job that Mike had. They talked about the kind of men that they were; men of love, integrity, and service. What kind of man am I, what kind of man or woman are you?

Some of the photos at Mike’s reception showed him running the 2008 San Diego Marathon. I am plan on running the 2011 Big Sur Marathon. Maybe I will beat his PR and mine. Maybe I’ll run for La Mancha Media. What will you do to the least of God’s children?

The Newest Little Runner

Annuntio vobis gaudiam magnum, habemus snuffin! I announce to you a great joy, we have a snuffin! Oliver Michael Wirz was born last Thursday at 6:35pm, coming in at 6lbs 10oz, and 19" long. He was born about a month early, so his little lungs were not quite ready. He needed to go to a nicu, so in the wee hours on Friday, I got to chase an ambulance from Hollister to Good Samaritan in San Jose. I got to drive fast! There were a few complications, so he will be coming home tomorrow (hopefully). In the last week, his lung function has improved greatly. The little guy can cry, so I wonder what kind of a set of lungs he will end up with. He's long like Leo and Joseph. I wonder what kind of a runner he will be. I told him that he'd have to run with Daddy, and he gurgled, so either he like the idea, or it was gas...

Now, for the part that you are after, photos:

Just a few moments after birth, flexing the pipes.

Snoozing on Monday. Having him in the isolette is a bit like feeding a baby critter without influencing him. Now feed your baby condor...

Happy Ollie!!!

Leo and Joseph want Oliver to come home now. Hopefully, tomorrow all three Wirz boys will be under one roof!

Still Kickin'

It has been a good long while since I posted anything. In case you are wondering; we are still here. Alie is due with Baby Boy on 4 April. We are not expecting for her to go full term; the boys were 2 weeks early, she had a couple of complications (everyone is ok) in January, and Baby Boy is very active. Getting a few things organized in the casa is an ongoing challenge. Alie is on a lifting restriction (better than the bed rest requirement in January), so the boys go to day care while I am at work. When I'm not working, I have two little shadows. Nana helps on Sundays so I can go to church.

I'm still working at the winery; most days are good. I have done enough VAs in the last two days to last quite some time. Degas, distill, titrate, repeat. Thankfully, I can say that I make wine, not vinegar.

It is spring in Cienega. We are at above average for our yearly rainfall (nearly 18" so far), and we have about 6 weeks left in our rainy season. Pruning is going slow this year; Dad is frustrated, moreso than ever. I see the green grass, the fillaree, and mustard; I feel sun and gentle rain; the ground is moist. The roses are starting to push, the plum tree has bloomed. Another year has begun. It is the middle of Lent; I am looking forward to Easter. I am hoping for an Easter baby. I am rambling; I am sober. I have realized that I will be 30 this year. March 15 marks 10 years that Alie and I have been together (married for 8 on 10 August). Leo and Joseph will be 3 in May. I would not mind loosing 10, 20, or even 30 pounds. I miss running on a daily basis (look above to see why I have not been). Some days, I miss working at Monster Winery. I loved the Winter Olympics, and am rooting for die Schwiez to do well at the World Cup.

Again, I am rambling. Maybe in the next four months, I can write a more coherent post.

New Year' Blessings

The Lord bless and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Numbers 6:23-25)

I hope you all have a Happy and Blessed 2010!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, all. Below is a shot of what I am very thankful for. They were helping me drive the shopping cart last Sunday. They were driving nice and straight, until I broke out the camera. Three seconds after the photo was taken, they drove into the freezer case...

Seen today

At the gas station mini mart next to the door for the soda/beer cooler: "Alcoholic Salesman only, soda salesman use second door".

On the rear license plate frame of a car, " Get out of my way... I'm late,".

Fathers' Day Card

The boys "made" a card for me for Fathers' Day. The construction of the card: crayons, stickers, and stamps, oh my...

A little maternal guidance. Joseph found a use for some extra stickers.


Watch out, I have a crayon in here. I know how to use it!


Ooooh, a card just for me. Joseph is still wearing some of his stickers here.