Dear Dr. Peyla,

I heard about Michael's passing from a Bear Creek Services Newsletter.  I am so sorry for your loss.  While i didn't know Michael well, I did know you when I worked as the Social Worker for the Olmstead DAC from 1973 to 1977.  I always appreciated your help with my work at the DAC.  I hope that wonderful memories of Michael sustain you at this difficult time.

I retired last November from my career in the Day Training and Habililtation field.  I worked at Midwest Special Services, Inc. in St. Paul since 1079.  I have fond memories of my time in Rochester and you were certainly a big part of those fond memories.

May Michael Rest in Peace,

Lyth Hartz

Dr. PEyla,

   Just  read  the obituary about your son Michael.     I  worked  with you at  Olmsted Hospital  as an RN, in the  70's,  my name is Jo Augustine, and I  worked in the ER, and on  the  2nd  floor  at the hospital.    So  sorry  about   your  son,   we  have lost a  son  also,  who was  mentally and physically  challenged.    He  died  of Melanoma  at age  24.   I  am  so sorry  for you   loss.   You  are   delightful   man to work for.   God's  peace.    Jo  Augustine

I had the pleasure of knowing Mike through my daughter Emily Snyder who works at Bear Creek. I am so sorry for your loss. Mike touched many lives. I would like to include a poem that has helped me process the loss of loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.  Mary Snyder

The Next Place
By Warren Hanson

The next place that I go 
Will be as peaceful and familiar 
As a sleepy summer Sunday
And a sweet, untroubled mind.
And yet . . . 
It won't be anything like any place I've ever been. . . 
Or seen. . . or even dreamed of
In the place I leave behind.
I won't know where I'm going,
And I won't know where I've been
As I tumble through the always
And look back toward the when.
I'll glide beyond the rainbows.
I'll drift above the sky.
I'll fly into the wonder, without ever wondering why.
I won't remember getting there.
Somehow I'll just arrive.
But I'll know that I belong there
And will feel much more alive
Than I have ever felt before.
I will be absolutely free of the things that I held onto
That were holding onto me.
The next place that I go
Will be so quiet and so still
That the whispered song of sweet belonging will rise up to fill
The listening sky with joyful silence,
And with unheard harmonies
Of music made by no one playing,
Like a hush upon breeze.
There will be no room for darkness in that place of living light,
Where an ever-dawning morning pushes back the dying night.
The very air will fill with brilliance, as the brightly shining sun
And the moon and half a million stars are married into one.
The next place that I go Won't really be a place at all.
There won't be any seasons --  
Winter, summer, spring or fall -- 
Nor a Monday, Nor a Friday, 
Nor December, Nor July.
And the seconds will be standing still. . . 
While hours hurry by.
I will not be a boy or girl, 
A woman or man.
I'll simply be just, simply, me.
No worse or better than.
My skin will not be dark or light.
I won't be fat or tall.
The body I once lived in
Won't be part of me at all.
I will finally be perfect.
I will be without a flaw.
I will never make one more mistake,
Or break the smallest law.
And the me that was impatient,
Or was angry, or unkind,
Will simply be a memory.
The me I left behind.
I will travel empty-handed.
There is not a single thing
I have collected in my life
That I would ever want to bring Except. . .
The love of those who loved me,
And the warmth of those who cared.
The happiness and memories
And magic that we shared.
Though I will know the joy of solitude. . .
I'll never be alone. I'll be embraced
By all the family and friends I've ever known.
Although I might not see their faces,
All our hearts will beat as one,
And the circle of our spirits
Will shine brighter than the sun.
I will cherish all the friendship I was fortunate to find,
All love and all the laughter in the place I leave behind.
All these good things will go with me.
They will make my spirit glow.
And that light will shine forever In the next place that I go.

Dr. Peyla, 

  So sorry to hear you lost you son. May the Lord be with you and your family. 

  You were such a wonderful Doctor to our daughter. I'm sure your son was special and loving as you.

                   Rich, Mary and Lacey Freytag 

Dr. Tom & Peyla Family,

My thoughts and prayers arewith you at this time.

Michael was a very personal man and just as funny. He was a joy to see and chat with each time I saw him.

I am sure he’s providing LOTS of entertainment to all the saints!!

Patrick 

To the Peyla family, I knew Michael for quite a long time. He always had a good sense of humor and was a good friend to all. He will be missed by everyone at Ability Building Center. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. I'm so sorry for your loss.

We are so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Tom, and the rest of your family.

Dr. Peyla,

My sympathy’s on the passing of your son

Michael.  Michael and yourself are an inspiration to all of us.  

Best wishes and warmest regards.

Feank Siebenaler

I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a very special person I have fond memories of him.

Sorry to hear of your loss.  Sincere  sympathy, 

While I didn't work with Michael, directly there were many interactions with him during the time I worked at Northwest House and he was always happy and upbeat when I saw him. He definitely loved his one line comments!

One memory that stands out was sharing a ride back to Rochester from the state Special Olympics bowling tournament and how animated Mike was on the ride home, part it focused on food.

He was brilliant in his own way and loved by his housemates and staff. May he rest in peace and happiness.

Steve Langland

I had the pleasure of working with Michael at ABC. Kind, sweet, and caring are definitely words that I would use to describe this gentle soul. Until we meet again, my friend.

Peyla Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I got to know Michael working the dances for Adaptive Park and Rec - I always enjoyed the one dance he saved for “the old lady” as he called me.  What a great guy!!!!

VERY SORRY TO READ ABOUT THE PASSING OF YOUR SON. MY SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TOM.

Andrea and Peyla family, 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Heaven has a new angel named Mike. Praise God for you being able to share your lives with Mike. God bless, Ken and Mary Bouska

I didn't know Michael,  but I have heard all about him over the many years of being friends with Andrea.  Bless your family during this difficult time.