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This blog is intended to let all of Mike's friends and family know the history of his brain tumor as well as provide updates as they become available.
Mike and Ava
State Fair
Mike and Savannah
Christmas Day
WLTX News Story
Links Associated with Glioblastoma
The Dash
Blog Archive
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2008
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April
(14)
- Chick-fil-A...Ice Cold Water!
- What Happened?
- Services
- End of the Road
- When It Rains, It Pours
- The Wit and Wisdom of Mike Starnes
- The Hits Just Keep On Comin'
- Bloody Blood Work! (That's My Inner Brit Coming Out)
- Small Steps and Another Must-Read
- E-mail Prayer Chain
- Not Quite the Anniversary Gift I Was Hoping For
- Two Steps Forward, Three Steps Back
- Same Ol' Song and Dance
- Not Much Change
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April
(14)
91 comments:
Diane,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you and the children are in my families thoughts and prayers as you deal with the loss of your husband and their father.
John
Diane,
I am so very sorry to hear about your tragic loss. You and your girls are in my thoughts and prayers.
Celeste Creel
I am a stranger that was reached by your email. I've kept your family in my families prayers at night. I know the days ahead will be tough, but know that he is alive and well with our Father above. I lost my father at a young age, and I owe knowing him to the memories of others that my father touched. It is a great thing that your daughters will have this blog to remember their father. Your little angels will be your stronghold in the days, months, and years to come. You all trust in God and remember that things like this happen for a purpose, even if we do not understand them.
With love & prayers!
Diane,
Your family in Florida have their arms around you and the girls. Please let us know if there is anything we can possible do for you and your family. We will keep in touch with Buddy and Polly to keep us up to date on the arrangements. We love you!
Uncle Bill, Aunt Carolyn, Cathy & Family, Jimmy & Family and Rick & Family.
I am also a stranger reached by your email. Just wanted to give you and your family my deepest sympathies.
Dear Diane,
It is with a heavy heart that we come to you with our thoughts, prayers and love for you and your family.
As you well know, Mike and I were close as brothers and someone that I shared my worries, my problems and my heart with. But, he not only did that with me but with all he came in contact with.
He was a friend, a mentor and a fabulous and dynamite fella that everyone who knew him ... loved.( With the exception of the Football coaches he coached against, but they even had respect for him. ) No one could or would ask for a more mighty friend than the 'Coach'.
Although we will not realize the pain and sorrow you feel for the loss, know that you too, have many great and endearing friends among us all.
My prayers will continue to flow for you and the kids through this time and on forward. I can never thank you enough for "standing by your man" with all you did do. Cannot thank you enough for the humor that was in the blog, as it kept up our spirit also.
Not many people, men or women, take their vows as laden or true as you did. For that, he was really loved and blessed.
Farewell to the amazing Grapeler .... see you up there in heaven my brother.
Love, Billy and Morgan Kirby
II Corinthians 4:16-18
"Therefore we do not lost heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweights them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
I am praying for you and the girls, Diane.
Love,
Ruth Anne
I am very sorry for your loss, but your loss is heavens gain. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers May he cradle you in his love and arms until you can stand on your own again.
Diane & Girls,
Keeping you close in thought and prayer.
Love,
Linn Hall & family
The world is a better place because Mike spent some time here with us. There are no words to express your loss. Know that many people feel it along with you, and we will all lift you in prayer. Remember to take some time for yourself when you can. You are a profile in courage. I absolutely admire your spirit.
Very truly yours,
jimmy
Diane:
We pray your sorrow will be turned to joy through God’s loving touch. May he comfort you, your girls and your family.
With deepest sympathy,
David and Heather Hill
Hey Ms. Starnes(Lucas),
I am sorry about your loss. I can't imagine the pain you and your family are feeling right now. I will keep you all in my prayers. If you turn to the lord for strength he will guide you through your pain.
Michelle Cullum (Harmon)
This has been such a sad journey for you and your family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Mike was such a good person, husband and daddy. Take care.
Sharon Owens
Diane,
Bettie and I are so sorry to hear about Mike's passing.
Our prayers will continue to be with you and the girls, Buddy and Polly and also Mike's family as you deal with your loss.
God Bless,
Richard & Bettie Stinnette
Diane--
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dianne
Diane,
I am so sorry. Me and my family will be praying for you and your girls constantly.
Jason
Diane
we are deeply sorry for your loss. may God comfort you and the girls.
harry and rita stokes
God bless you and your girls. May you find comfort in the fact that Mike touched so many lives doing something he truly loved to do. I am better for knowing him even though it was a brief time. Some of the first lessons I learned in Coaching were learned from and with Mike.
Brian Strickland
North Augusta High School
Diane,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your SCRI family is always here for you.
Liz
Praying with you Diane and with your family. I agree with others here, you have been such a great witness here on this blog. Your wit and your faith have touched us and I know your husband has been blessed mightily by having you at his side. I pray that your many memories of your times with Mike will bring you joy that will help take you through this grief. I pray for your rest and peace.
Diane -
I am very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I will always remember his smiling face when we saw him at Ridge View. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Ava, and Savannah.
Jeremy Raxter
Diane, you and your girls are in our prayers. We knew Mike when he and my husband, Ron, worked together in Chesterfield. We will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer in the days and weeks ahead.
Vicky and Ron Blackmon
Diane,
You don't know me but I have known Tiny and Elizabeth for years. I have been reading your blogs every day and have had many people praying for Mike. I so wish things could have ended up with all of the sweetness for both of you. The Lord decided he wanted Mike at home with him. Elizabeth has told me that you have a very loving family and that is going to definitely be of some help. Young lady, my prayers go with you. Janelle Wakefield
Diane,
I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. I cherish so many wonderful memories of working with Mike and you at Ridge View, and I know my life my was blessed for having him as a friend. What a joy it was to see you two come together! Please know that I am praying for you and the girls.
Take care and God Bless!
Laura Wilkinson
Diane,
I am also a stranger who was lead to your blog by your sister via another website. I have been lifting you and your family up in prayer. I am so sorry that Mike lost his battle. Please know the Lord is holding him and your family in His arms. My sympathy goes out to all of you. God Bless.
Diane,
You and your girls are in my thoughts and prayers.
Paula
Diane,
I am so sorry to hear about Mike...I so prayed everyday for him to be blessed and for you all to be good and to stay strong too and I will pray a more for you... Your family in Nc will Be Thinking about you and if ya need anything just let us know ok....we love you...Tonya
The Dew's Jean Jim Tonya Stacie and Jennifer.....
Diane,
My prayer is that God will give you Strength, Peace,and Rest as you Lean on His Everlasting Arms.Your Care and Love for Mike is a tremendous testimony.
Diane, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Even though you may never know me, I feel as though I know you and your family just by following this blog and through friends that know you. Always remember that your Angels are watching over you and to keep your focus on the ONE WHO sends them, even if you never find out who they are. Psalm 91:11 You never know when one might show up again.
I'm fifteen, I lost my mother to cancer as well last September,and i'm sorry to hear about your husband. I can relate and I know it hurts to have to see the person you love have to suffer and there's nothing you can do for them. I lost my father when I was seven, so my mother was all I had, I always seen her as strong, and when she died from cancer, my world shattered. But,I know she would have wanted me to stay strong for my brother and your husband would want you stay strong for yall children. This is not the end of world as it may seem.
Diane,
I am so saddened by this news for Mike truly touched my life and the lives of so many. I am thankful and honored to have known him. I also have such admiration for you and the strength you exhibited in the very worst of times. Prayers are with you, your precious children and all family members who will miss him dearly.
Martha Roberts
Diane, I am so sorry to hear about Mike, it seems like I was just hoping that Mike would take a turn for the better like He has but God must have other plans for Mike. I know you are a very stong person who has such a wonderful family and I know they will be there for you as well as all of us who have shared the ups and downs with you these last months.I just wanted to tell you how great is was to be able to tune in to your blog each day. It was a wonderful tribute to the man you love and a great legacy for your girls. I only hope that I could have that much humor and courage in the face of such advercity. You are truly an example of strength and courage and God will see you thru this. Chuck and I love you, Ruth Cross
Diane,
We are so saddened by your loss. Our Sunday School class prayed for Mike often. Your love for Mike was so evident in your posts, as was his love for you and the girls. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
Steve and Gina P.
Diane,
Please know that you, Ava and Savannah are in my families’ prayers. You are such an inspiration, the epitome of grace, and a tremendous witness to others.
Rebecca Thompson
Dear Diane and Family,
I am so sorry to hear the news about Mike. His strength has witnessed to so many as has yours and your family. God is so good and he blessed you all with last few months to be by his side while his story spread to so many and touched more than you will ever know. It is a blessing to see God at work and I am honored to have met him. God is holding you in his hands and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Psalm 9:9
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
With deepest sympathy,
Kim Livoti
Diane: There are no words to express my sadness at your loss. When my 25-year old son was killed by a drunk driver, one of my friends said: "God only picks the prettiest flowers for His garden." Surely, God has done it again. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Diane,
Your strength, faith, and hope are truly amazing. May God continue to support you and the girls with His power. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
(Isaiah 40:29 KJV) He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
With deepest sympathy,
Emily K.
Dear Diane,
I keep thinking that Mike lost the battle, but he did not. He won and is a blessing to those in heaven now. I have read The First 90 Minutes in Heaven and it was so comforting to me. I pray that you will find comfort too. Our prayers continue - our focus has changed. What a blessing to have known Mike. You have been a blessing to me, too, Diane. God's strength is yours. I pray you feel his loving arms around you.
Kathi Wagner
I am a stranger as well. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Coach Starnes when he taught/coached in Chesterfield. I have been reading your blog, and you all have been in my prayers. Please know that you and your girls are in my prayers as you face what lies ahead. God Bless.
Diane, Ava, and Savannah,
As word spread across campus today, I heard the most wonderful stories from my students about Mike. They all talked about selling water at lunch.
A student shared that one day she bought a Chik-Fil-A from Mike and shortly after she discovered he had given her too much change-$15.00. She found him with all intentions of giving the money back. He told her since she was so honest that she should keep the money and he would make up the difference.
In such an unimaginably tough time, I hope that these stories will provide you with strength. Mike was truly a great man and he will be missed at RNE.
You all remain in my thoughts and prayers.
In deepest Christian sympathy,
Charles Vaughan
RNE Cavalier Family
Dear Starnes family,
I was a student and athlete at RNE and can attest that "Ice Cold Water, Chick-Fil-A!" was a beloved, campus-wide chant thanks to Coach Starnes. While I never got to know him personally, please know that everyone at RNE, past and present, will feel your loss. He was a lovely man and he is someone his children should grow up proud of.
Diane,
Words cannot express the sadness I feel at the loss of my special and good friend Mike. I know he will be watching over us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls and your entire family.
Please know that we are always here if you need anything.
With love,
Sara and Hugh Wheeler
Diane,
I dont even know what to say, I am so sorry that this has happened. I am so sorry that there was nothing that anyone could do to fix this. I am so sorry that I wasnt there today. Ive watched you for so long now stay so strong, feeding Mike, and rubbing his calves, and shaving him. I am overwhelmed with emotion. I dont believe as a nurse I am suppose to allow myself to become so attached to my patients, but how could I not. Your love for him just beamed through everyday with everything that you did. He was very blessed, blessed to have you, blessed to have the girls, and blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. I dont think that going to work will ever be the same and I will never forget him, or you. This is the hardest thing that you will probley ever go through, but I know that you will pull through! If anyone can it's you! I will always remeber you in my prayers, I will always think of Mike when Iam caring for my patients, you and Mike have put a forever dent in my heart that I am fortunate to have. I have been truely blessed to be allowed to know you and him! Always remeber that you did everything in your power for him! Please let us know of anything that we, or me, can do for you. Please let us know of the funeral arrangements.
Brandi Oneal, RN
Diane,
I am so sorry. I love you.
Kim Tiedemann
Mrs. Starnes,
Students across the school are feeling the affects of this loss. Our thoughts are with you. Rest assured that Coach Starnes has left a positive mark on Northeast and tomorrow's leaders. We will not be the same without him.
Stephen Wilson
RNHS Student Body President
Diane,
Words cannot express how much Mike meant to me and to the entire Cavalier Family. Mike truly touched more lives than you will ever know. He fought the fight and now he is on the most emaculate playing field there is, where he will make a difference to all those he touches. Please know that you and the girls will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jay
Diane,
I am deeply saddened by the news of Mike's passing. Mike was such a wonderful man and loved by so many. You and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you will continue to find the strength to live each day and cherish your beautiful children.
With love,
Kala
I am sorry to hear about your husband. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Paula Luther
Diane,
You don't know me either, but your family's story has really touched my heart and the hearts of many of the teachers I work with. No words can possibly relieve your pain, but know that we will continue to keep you, your girls, and your family in our prayers and in our hearts.
Kelli Floyd
Diane,
We are saddened by your loss. Please know we are thinking about you and your precious girls.
Your friends in the Airport HS Media Center
Diane,
Your family has been on my mind through this whole journey. I am inspired by your devotion and unconditional love. Mike could not have asked for a better partner with which to share his life. I pray that you depend on faith and hope during this time. Know that the Bundrick and Simon families are praying for you and your little ones. They, too, are lucky to have a mother who demonstrates unbreakable strength and love. Just remember that Mike left his footprint on the hearts of those who knew him. I only met him one time at your house during a dinner party and I could tell what a wonderful person he was. Keep faith and hope close these next few months and know that there is a purpose in all things. Mike is smiling down on you and thanking you for every moment the two of you have shared and is continuing to love you.
You and the girls are in my heart!Please let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do for you.
Karan Bundrick
You and your precious family are in our prayers. My sister worked with you are Airport, Jennifer Cole. I will pray for peace that passes all understanding. Your blog is priceless and is a wonderful legacy of your husband's life. Know that you are lifted in prayer... praying that you are cradled in our loving Lord's arms. He will give you strength when you think you have none left.
Love & peace~ Rebecca Butcher
http://babygirlbutcher.blogspot.com
Diane,
I am Saddened for you girls and all of Mike's Friends. Don't guess I have ever Coached with a more Dedicated Man than Mike. We started it all at Ridge View. I spent much time with "Starnesy".
Many hours at the Conference Table breaking down Film. Many hot two-a-day practices. Many long Friday nights. Many Many Many LAUGHS... Funny lunches when he was on his Jar Of Pickles a day diet.....by the way, I drank the pickle Juice!
One Fantastic Night on the Field at Williams Brice Stadium when NO ONE IN THE WORLD THOUGHT WE COULD GET THERE BUT ME AND HIM.... I don't think there was one day that he and I coached together that at some point in time we didn't have a Big laugh about something. He was A person that i was very proud to associate myself with. We were "Friends"! I Thank the Good Lord for letting Mike be a Good Part of my Life.
I know if anything in Heaven was out of Order this morning, by 12:30 this afternoon, Starnesy was Getting it Straightened OUT. (All the T's will be crossed and all the I's will be dotted) because if not (Nothing good will come of that!) I'll miss him, as I know, you Ladies will. Starnsey--I'll see ya one of these days.
Tony Mims
Diane,
I am so very sorry. God will continue to carry you and know that your SCRI family loves you.
Tempie
So very, very sorry.
Cindy
Diane, Ava & Savannah,
Angie and I are very sorry about the loss of Mike. You are in our thoughts and we are here for you.
Love,
Marty & Angie
We just receieved your e-mail from a friend, please know that you and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers, Mike was so blessed to be a part of your life as you were his.
Diane first off know that my family, c-group and all those that I have told and ask me about the blog send our heart felt sympathies to you and your family. I was going to post on the other blog about one-liners and hadn't gotten around to it, but I can't think of a better place to share it than here. I don't care if it was when we coached together in Chesterfield or all the years we kept up with each other while I was in Greenwood and Mike was making his mark in the lowcountry and midlands, but not many, if any, conversation started without me asking "how's it going my brother?" and Mike would respond on cue "Spark, just another day in paradise!" This applied whether things were going good or bad. Well my brother from this day forward you'll be able to greet people in heaven with that saying and be living it!
It still hasn't sunk in to me yet that you're gone from this physical earth and that'll be hard for all of us that loved you, but I know where you are, that you're not hurting and that I will see you again. Rest in Peace my brother and thank you for being my friend and allowing me the opportunity to live and learn from "the legend!"
Diane we love you and will continue to pray for yours and Mike's entire family for that peace that passes all understanding.
Diane,
I'm sorry that Michael and you and your family had to endure this sickness. God will sustain you and your two children. Michael has a new body, a very glorious one.
You're in my prayers.
Diane,
although you will miss Mike you can now go to sleep not having to worry if he's in any pain. He is now pain free and one day you and Mike will be together again.
I must say that not only was Mike a man of integrety he was a friend.
Al
Diane,
My heart goes out to you and your family, I know words cannot begin express your loss. I want you to know that I will be praying for your family and If there is anything I can do don't hesitate to ask.
Karen Britt
Diane,
I'm sitting here at a loss for words to say. I am so very saddened to hear about Mike's passing today. I know that this time is very painful for you but I hope that you can take comfort in knowing that Mike is no longer feeling any pain.
I want you to know that I admire you for your strength and committment to Mike during his illness. Mike was a very blessed man to have such a dedicated wife. He loved and cherished you so very much. I remember watching as the love between the two of you grew from a little spark into a great fire! I remember how Mike looked at you...how his love for you was so clear in his eyes. He was so proud to be your husband, so proud of his girls, and I know he was a truly wonderful husband and father. His presence in your life and the lives of his many friends will be missed tremendously.
I also admire you for your dedication to this blog...it has been a great way to help us all keep up with Mike's condition but the best thing about this blog is that it will be a wonderful way for Ava and Savannah to remember their father. He was truly a wonderful man.
I know that the last few months have been extremely difficult for you and the girls. I also know that it will be even harder now but be assured that our prayers for you, Ava and Savannah will be endless.
Henry and I send you our love and want you to know that we are available for you whenever you need us. Just let us know.
All my love,
Patsy
Mrs. Starnes,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I know Mike as "Coach Starnes". It was an honor to play for such a good person. He not only taught me the game of football but the GAME OF LIFE. We should remember him for the joy and happiness that he shined on our lives, so he shall live on forever! I will forever keep you and your girls in my prayers.
With Love,
Shedrick Garland
RidgeView High School
You were with Mike every day, cared for him and loved him. Your love for him was displayed in your words and fulfilling his every day needs. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls. I always remember Mike with his big smile and great bear hugs.
Mike's friends in Seattle
Take one day at a time. Things are going to be very tough for awhile. Be sure to ask for help from those who offer as remember that you could be robbing them of a blessing by not giving them a chance to help out. I am far away in Alaska and there is little I could do but I do remember Mike from Thornwell High School and what a great athlete he was. Joys and Sorrows come through out our decades on this earth and you have already endured one of the worst. However, keep your eyes on Jesus and He will carry you through the days that you can't get up.
I admire your tenacity and determination and there is no doubt that you can use those wonderful personality traits now. Hang in there Diane. One day at a time.
Karen A.
Diane, As I have visited the blog countless times since yesterday, I've struggled to find something comforting or profound to say. There simply are no words. Just know that we hold on to 1 Thessalonians 4, that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We love you and are praying for you.
Amanda and John
Diane,
Oh No!! What a tragic loss. Please know that you and the girls will always be in our prayers. We are so sorry to hear this, the Lord is holding Coach Starnes in his arms right now and the coach is all better, he is in no more pain. Please take care of yourself.
Nell & Debbie
Diane,
I am sorry to hear that Mike lost his battle with cancer yesterday. He has had a tremendous impact on the students, teachers and coaches here at RNE. He helped make me a better coach through his guidance, dedication, humor and compassion. The baseball team would like to dedicate tonights game against Spring Valley in his honor.
Thane Maness
Diane,
I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My prayers have been with you and the girls since the beginning of his battle. Even though I never had the honor of meeting Mike or your family, he sounds like such an incredible person that overcame so many obstacles in his life. I believe he lived an incredible life and never gave up........now our Dear Lord has a bigger plan for him. May God wrap his arms around you and the girls. Mike will continue to live through you and those beautiful babies.
With my love and sympathy,
Glenna (Karen's friend)
Diane,
Please know that I am praying for you and your girls as you go through this difficult time. The Lord will give you strength and comfort when you don't think you have any."For God so loved the world that He gave his only son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have EVERLASTING LIFE!"
Diane,
Trust in God too see you through,and know that many thoughts and prayers are with you now.May God bless
Mikep.
Diane,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike was a good man.
Thank you for being so strong for him.
Jean
New Jersey
Dear Diane,
Like you I love Mike so much. I will never forget him. He was and will always be the greatest uncle I've ever had. God has a time and plan for everone so I guess it was Mike's time. I know whatever plan God has for Mike is probably something mike will enjoy. Just think Mike is probably watching over you and the girls 24/7.
Morgan Kirby
diane,
I have been following your journal and I am so sorry you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.I lost my husband may 10 2007 to a gbm stage 4 at the age 52.we do not understand but the Lord will carry you and your family during this time and he has been providing you your strength.
God Bless
debbie carter
rogercarter121@aol.com
albemarle nc
MRS. STARNES,
WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND. I ONLY NEW COACH MIKE FROM THE SIDELINES HE WALKED EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT AT RNE AND BY WHAT SO MANY GREAT THINGS OTHER PEOPLE AND HIS PEERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT HIM. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU AND THE GIRLS ARE IN MY FAMILIES PRAYERS. STAY STRONG! AND REMEMBER YOU HAVE A GREAT MAN NOW WATCHING OVER YOU AND THE GIRLS.
WITH MUCH SADDNESS
KURT AND AMY WILSON
Diane,
We will continue to lift you, your girls, and your whole family up in prayer.
Love,
Joan and Mike Thomas
Dear Diane, what an amazing woman you are. Thank you for the strength you shown to us all. You and Mike are such a sweet couple. Shane loved Coach Starnes as his teacher. Blythe loved you as her cheerleading coach. I love you because I watched you grow up next door, went to your wedding, and now have been with you through this difficult. Mama sends her love too. The Lord will bless you with strength you cannot imagine through all the prayers and love being offered for in yours and the girls behalf.
Love, TaWanna Yandle Branham
I am a stranger to you.......but I wept when I heard of Mike's passing. The prayers I have been giving your family at night will continue so that God may grace you and your girls with His strength every second of every day.
Kindra Murphy
Diane,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my mother to a Glioblastoma in 2005. I will continue to lift up prayers for you and your girls. The strength will come! God Bless!
Kim Pollard
Dear Diane and Girls,
You and your family have been in our prayers and will continue to be lifted up during this time. Mike was always an inspiration to me. I treasure the time I was able to work with him at RNE as the athletic trainer. I loved his witty humor and determination to make his players the best that they could be on the football field as well as off the field. He was always full of wise advice and supportive words for me. Now that his journey is over here on earth we will always carry a piece of him with us as we go on with our lives. Thank you Diane for being so supportive and loving. Mike was blessed to have such a loving, caring, honorable, loyal and optimistic friend and wife.
Love, Anna Watson Harvley
Diane,
I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. I struggle to find the right words to say. There's nothing anyone can say to take away your pain. Ava was heavy on my heart and mind yesterday...i now know why. It's obvious from all of the wonderful comments throughout the blog that Mike has touched so many lives. I only met him a few times, but the love he has for his family was amazingly evident. The days, weeks, and months to come will bring sadness, but also wonderful memories as you spend time with family and friends. You and your girls will forever have a wonderful angel in Heaven looking out for you. Please let me know if there's anything I can do. I'll keep checking back for arrangements. I'd be glad to keep the kiddos during visitation and/or funeral service.
Stephanie Morrow
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Diane,
Christine and I have been praying for Mike, the girls, and you since we got news of the cancer. There are no words that we use to give you comfort. You have been inspiring to each of us as you kept up the blog and never left Mike' side. Mike was such as hard working person and gave his all to whatever task he was tackling. He helped me to become a better coach and person. Many of the athletes we coached looked up to Mike as a father. He knew when to pat them on the back or kick them in the rear. We are all truly blessed to have known Mike.
Mike Young
Diane -
I received your prayer chain email from a friend and like many others, I have been reading daily and keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I know that our prayers will continue for you to find strength and peace in this time of such great sadness. It sounds as though you and others who knew Mike have many wonderful memories to look back on and help keep his spirit alive.
I wish that I had known Mike - he sounds like the kind of person this world needs more of.
Know that the thoughts and prayers of so many people are with you - many more than you can imagine.
Diane,
Words cannot convey the deep loss I know you and your girls are experiencing now. I will always cherish the fond memories I have of Mike and how thankful I am for having known him as a fellow faculty member at RNE. God's blessings on you and your family.
Sincerely, Harold Jayroe
Faith, hope and Love... and the greatest of these is LOVE! What a witness you and Mike have been to so many. I've prayed for your family for months now and feel as if I knew you both through your blog. God's purpose is not always clear but I'm confident the world is a better place having had you together. May your sweet memories give you all comfort and peace.
Diane,
I never had the privilege of knowing Mike because I left Richland Northeast in 2003 to "start a new life" after losing my precious husband to a brain tumor in 2001. I have followed your blog since Mike's diagnosis in January when I received an email from a friend at RNH telling me the news. At that very moment, my prayers began and never ceased. My children were also very young when their daddy died- 1 1/2 and 3. Duke University and the "Friedman" doctors were also the team that we put our trust into for the best of care. So, while our situations are very similar - I realize they are still so very different. Please know that my prayers will continue for you and those precious babies. Keep yourself curled up in the incredible arms of God as they will bring you the comfort and peace that you need. May God provide you with all that you need in the coming days ahead. God bless and my deepest sympathy in your time of loss . . .
Laura Gibbons Couts
Dent Middle School
Mrs. Starnes,
I am deeply saddened by the news of Coach Starnes' passing away. I am so fortunate to have played for him at RNE. He was a great coach and a better man. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers you and your girls
Kyle
Coach Starnes was my Government/Econ teacher, I am so sorry to hear about his passing. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Jestine Pralour (alumni at Ridge View class of 1999)
Dear Starnes Family: I knew Mike at Thornwell High School, and later at U. of South Carolina. I remember his humor, his tenacity with school work, and his strong work ethic. It is no surprise that he was successful in all his pursuits, and left an impression with everyone he met. I wish you all the best in this time of sorrow.
I too am someone unknown to you and yours, but, I have personally seen the miracles God still performs.
This time, it was the miracle of his mercy.
God bless to the family. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
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