I must first and foremost start off by saying how thankful I am to my mother-in-law, Bonnie Romero, and my father-in-law, Humberto Romero, who brought Michael into this world on June 7 of 1972. Without the two of you there would have never been an "us."

I had the privilege of meeting Michael in 1992 when we went on our first date together in a Suzuki Samurai and Michael whisked me away to a basketball game. If im being completely honest, his car was lowered and we bounced around in that car until we got where we were going. When we arrived at the game, I was completely smitten with him and had a hard time paying attention to the game, but I was trying to play it cool. When Michael turned to me and smiled I noticed that his front teeth were partially missing. I thought to myself, "If Michael was trying to make a good impression, he wasn't doing a very good job." When he saw that I took notice, we both laughed and shared a warm embrace and he mentioned he had eaten too many lemons. I knew at that point I was no longer worried about his teeth and I knew that would be an easy fix.

Why, it was so easy that we wed on January 7, 1994. The love that Michael and I shared resulted in the birth of Sierra, Sydney, Mikey, and Sophia.

The life we created together over the span of the last 30 years was filled with treasured memories, laughter, hopes and dreams. During this time I discovered the true depth of his love and character. Michael was a fighter, a giver, a hard worker, but most importantly, he was kind, loving, thoughtful, and he took the best care of all of us. These qualities defined him as a son, brother, husband, father, friend, and mentor to young minds through his hitting instruction.

A particularly defining moment in our life together came in 2011 when he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. This type of cancer usually affects a person who is a heavy drinker, smoker, or tobacco chewer. Michael did not fall into any of those categories. So, while we took a moment to wrap our heads around the news that we had received, little did we know that the next 13 years would be filled with so many challenges. However, during those 13 years, Michael faced the challenging journey with the same fortitude, compassion, generosity, and love that had always characterized him. While he was fighting a tremendous battle with the diagnosis of cancer, he continued to put us first and commit himself to the kids he so passionately mentored and coached.

During Michael's courageous fight, he had a great team of doctors behind him who knew what our family was up against and continued to think outside the box. Michael had many treatments—two neck dissections, numerous chemo sessions (too many to count), proton therapy, clinical trials, to radiation, to swallow studies because for a long period of time Michael was unable to eat solid food and was only using a feeding tube during the later part of his life. If it wasn't for Dr. Gold, Dr. Brumand, Dr. Eubanic, Linda, who took care of all of Michaels medical care, Dr. Romero, Michael's dentist who helped get his teeth in order after all the radiation he had to his head and neck, and to Gary, who helped Michael with endless amounts of physical therapy and TMJ treatment to his mouth; we would not have been able to endure the rigor from week to week of treatments that took took place the last two and a half years of his life.

It should also be noted that Dr. Gold encouraged Michael to get a second and third opinion. Michael was seen by the two head and neck surgeons at UCLA medical center and the City of Hope, all concurring with Dr. Gold's treatment plan for Michael. It was in that moment that we knew we had the best team of doctors helping Michael on this journey. Therefore, Michael knew he would remain at UCSD.

Michael would not have been able to fight as long as he did without the help of these wonderful people who poured their heart and soul into Michael's care day in and day out . Please know that our family will forever be grateful too each and everyone of you who helped us have Michael here a little longer with our family. Our family thanks you from the bottom of our heart.

With what I just shared with you would you believe that after six to eight hours (depending upon the day) whether it was the chemo sessions, radiation sessions, or the most recent stent of a five-week course of treatment that we would drive everyday to Encinitas (which was approximately an hour from our house) for 11 minutes in a chamber for radiation, Michael was still eager to get home in time for his lessons with his brother Mario. Let's not forget we had to stop at Jack in the box for an Oreo shake and on occasion, he talked me into to supporting his craving. I didn't want to disappoint him, so I gladly ordered two tacos—please don't judge me.

Now, back to more important things. Michael loved spending time with his brother. Michael knew that as the treatment became more grueling he would need someone to help him and Mario gladly stepped into that role. Mario, being the softball and baseball junkie he is, was a perfect fit for the job. This made me so happy because everytime Michael spoke his brother's name I could see the joy on Michael's face and even though his body was weathered, Michael would step foot in the cage and instruct and spend time with his brother where he could also take his mind off of what he was going through and had a sense of normalcy—even if it was only for a few hours. With the two of them together it brought me so much joy to see the two of them working side by side. But when 9 p.m. rolled around, Mario darted out quickly because he had a second job to get too early the next morning. Let's put it this way...sometimes Michael would stay and talk a little longer with the last family of the night.

Thank you Mario, for the countless hours you spent not only with Michael, but with me. Mario's presence always made life better for Michael and I as we navigated this journey together. As Michael continued to perservere through the many challenges he faced I always saw a man who was so dedicated and resilient even when he was so tired and his days were so very challenging, he never wanted to disappoint the kids he mentored.

To many, his greatest achievement might have been his remarkable fight against cancer. But in Michael's eyes, that wasn't it at all. To Michael, his greatest achievement was his family. His pride and joy lay in the tremendous accomplishments of his children. He would beam with unbridled happiness when he spoke of them in public or in the privacy of our home his eyes would light up or every now and then we would cry together.

Michael lived to see our children flourish, to witness their hopes and dreams take flight, and he bet his all on their boundless potential and always reminded the kids to never get too high or too low.

One of my most cherished memories, and while there were many, this particular memory was on our drive home after chemo. Michael has always been convinced that I drive too fast, I beg to differ I think Phillip, my brother-in-law drives faster based off a recent trip to a comedy show. That's a story for another day.

I'd like to think I'm just efficient. That's how I see things through my lens. One day in a rush to get home for lessons, Michael did the unthinkable and asked that I drive faster. I laughed and I drove faster and as Waze was telling me there was a hidden officer .6 miles away, I still felt invincible and drove faster. So, as I sped past the hidden officer I laughed and continued my drive home with no flashing lights behind me I knew I was in the clear. The car rides we shared, which were many, and despite their ordinariness, were symbolic of the lively, beautiful, and sometimes hilariously irreverent relationship we shared—a relationship filled with laughter, respect, love, and admiration for one another.

I know that we are all going to miss Michael. I'm going to miss his sense of humor, his constant support, even when he was fighting through his own battles with his illness, just our life together. I will miss him saying "you just earned five more years" every time I cooked his favorite meal or a new dish. I would jokingly reply "lucky me." But I really was lucky to have those moments with Michael. What I wouldn't give to hear him speak to me one more time. I know his legacy will live on through our children and their children and the lives he touched and the lessons he imparted on all of us.

I want Michael to be remembered as a loving, hardworking, and passionate person, but above all else, an exceptional father and husband who loved his children unconditionally. He was their biggest cheerleader and their fiercest protector. He was the love of my life and my protector too.

To the families who entrusted Michael with providing softball and and baseball guidance to their children, I hope each one of you realizes how much he adored each of your children and took pride in their progress, embracing each of them as his own. If you only knew how much Michael needed your kids throughout this journey. Working with them gave him purpose and hope and just kept him going daily.

After our Annual All American Hitting camp that was held on December 27, Michael spent more time in the hospital than out. He was admitted for the third time in the month of January, January 24 to be exact. This is where he spent his final days and where I remained by his side and never left until his final inning on February 14, Michael took his last breath at 10:12 p.m. As I sat next to his bed sobbing I knew he was finally free and whole as our son explained to me. There will forever be a void a hole in my heart. Michael left an important reminder that life is not a spectacle but a glorious game to be played with a will and determination and with love and courage. His fight, his resilience should be a beacon of light for those riding their own tumultous waves in life.

To our children, your dad's love for each of you was immense. I hope each of you know that and carry him in your heart wherever you go. May you all continue to to flourish under his spiritual watch , giving him more reasons to beam from the heavens above. I want each of you to carry forward his love and legacy.

I take comfort with absolute certainty that when stories are shared of your father with others and with your children they will speak of a titan, the hero, the valor of care and dedication a beacon of perseverance that shone the brighter for the tempest raging around him. As we mourn the loss of this remarkable man let us also celebrate the legacy he has left behind in the life lessons he has taught all of us. He believed in God, in the power of hard work and perseverance that let him continue to be a fixture in the lives of his beloved children, family and friends and the kids he coached and mentored. Always remember his motto "Should Be Hitting." Remember to embody the spirit the courage and dedication and love he had that so defined him.

In concludsion, I wish to express our profound gratitude for your presence here today. Your support is a testament to the impact Michael made on all of us. As we part today please take with you the assurance that Michael is whole and no longer in pain and watching keenly from the heavens above which is the best seat in the house. Michael now has the added blessing of peace. Rest assured he will remain our guardian angel, his legacy living on in our hearts fueling us with the courage to forge ahead through uncharted waters.

Remember him fondly for his love and compassion, for the inspiring man he was. Carry him in your hearts as I will in mine. May he remain etched in your memories forever and intertwined in the fabric of our lives.

Good bye my darling Michael. In life and in death you will remain a beacon of love, strength and hope.

With every beat of my heart I will carry your love and memory rooted deep within me—guiding me as I navigate this life here on earth. Until we are reunited in heaven I will love you forever, I will need you for always, as long as I'm living, my love you will be. XOXO

Melissa

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I would like to talk about the beautiful life my dad lived. I can't help but remember all of the memories I have especially at Revival Church

When he first got diagnosed in 2011, he showed me how important it was to lean on your faith. We made it a ritual to attend every Wednesday service here in the cafe upstairs and watch from the coffee shop with a coffee in our hand. I always looked forward to Wednesdays because he made it a priority.

Without him even realizing, that was the start of my relationship with God and really understanding the way I wanted to live my life. On Wednesday, February 14th, he was called home and it was truly the hardest day of my life. It was a day I knew was coming; a time I was afraid of facing, but a moment I knew he would be set free from the pain he was feeling. His journey with cancer is one I will never forget, and I will forever share it because it truly is one of Gods living miracles.

He fought until his last breath and taught us all what it takes to be courageous, resilient, and simply a man of his word. He told our family he would never stop fighting and we watched him fight this battle for a very long time with many challenges along the way. The pain, the tiredness, the good days, the bad days, he showed me how to live in a way with gratitude, and strength I didn't even know I had in myself.

Although he is not here to experience the next chapters of my life, I look forward to honoring him in all that I do, and making him the proudest dad. I find myself in his t shirts, sitting in his spot on the couch, using his coffee mugs, and just longing for the familiar moments and places we experienced together. Although home doesn't feel the same, we feel his presence daily and we laugh often at the memories we shared with him.

On a lot of days, I think about his doctor, Dr Gold. How she never gave up on this fight with him and always tried her best to find the clinical trials that could extend his life; knowing she was giving us more time with him in the end. She gave us two extra years with our dad and I am forever thankful for that.

During that time: He got to watch Sierra and I launch our very own NB cleat that honors him and his story. He got to see Mikey get drafted in the first round to the Boston Red Sox. He got to see Sophia sign to Boise state for softball. And lastly one of my favorite memories, Him and my mom got to watch Sierra and I play in Chicago and Both of us hit home runs in our last at-bats in front of them. That only seems fitting for as many times that he told us "we should be hitting".

I always think about these moments knowing they were set there for a reason; that they represent the work ethic he instilled in all of us. The extra time we got with him, he got to see us accomplish the goals we set together with him. He is missed here by so many. I know the ache of his absence may never fully fade, but I also know his spirit lives on in the memories I will hold very close to my heart.

Dad, thank you for showing me the love that knew no bounds, for fighting to stay here a little longer, and for the countless ways you made all our lives brighter. Your legacy will live on in all of the lives that you touched, and hearts that you changed. Your unwavering faith in the face of adversity will continue to inspire me to be the best version of myself, just as you always believed I could be. You will forever be my hero, my guiding light, my best friend, and my eternal source of inspiration.

I miss you, and I love you very much dad.

Sydney

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When I think about my dad and the time we all got to spend with him, I can't help but smile and think about how beautiful our life was with him and how lucky we were to have him as our dad and mentor.

From the start, he's always been there. He played such a significant role in our lives and us, his kids, would not be where we are at today if it weren't for him.

His fight and the way he went about his life despite everything thrown at him is something I admired from a distance. Even when he didn't know anyone was watching, I was. I watched his every move.

And let me tell you, I was never disappointed when I looked to him. No matter the circumstances I saw a man who was strong, courageous, loving and always fighting. His fight was something extraordinary and his perseverance is something I carry with me every day.

The way he loved us and the way he loved our mom is all I could ever want out of life. We love deeply because he did. We are strong because he was, and we believe in ourselves because he did, every single day.

He makes me smile when I think about him, he really was the best dad any child could ever ask for, and God really blessed our family with the most amazing man. And I find joy thinking of the memories we have with him, and I find peace knowing he is stronger and watching over us now.

Until we meet again, I love you dad.

Michael

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