Michelle & I became friends in 4th grade, on the Coral Elementary playground. She was new, & people weren't especially welcoming. I saw her just kind of wandering aimlessly near me, as I was heading for the teeter totter, & just said "hey...you wanna be friends?" She said "ok" & smiled, so I said "hop on!" We spent a lot of time on that teeter totter that year, & playing tetherball, & I learned that her foster parents were long time friends of my parents. We remained friends from then on, from the little kid sleepovers, to youth group, to sneaking makeup, to all the teenage things. We lost touch for a long time after high school, but reconnected on facebook about 10 years ago, & we'd chat here & there. Life wasn't always easy for Michelle, & she continued to confide in me once we reconnected. She was just always such a sweetheart. Beautiful inside & out, FUNNY!!! Even though I hadn't seen Michelle in years, I'll miss her. Rest well, my friend. Prayers for the whole family & all who loved her.💔