Lets go to Mugsy's!!!

Well first of all...I want to say happy 4-0..and i was 4-0 on sept.29th along with Rob Miller..but I did not have a suprise birthday and all the things that Jana did for you....You have a special gal there and you deserve it..I remembering you calling me years ago ( around 2003) and you were really pissed about the  shitty things that have been done to you and I tried to make you feel better as best as I could....and then you tried to be the good guy that you are and gave love a second chance and then it failed....But that shit was such bad odds and may I tell you how bad I felt.?..I remember you helping me out with these things at JCU and I clearly remember how you told me to move on...well you made a great move...on....isnt it crazy how life treats us?   Mike, I clearly think you were all out for helping me and all of us in great ways.as a friend and as someone who I could laugh with and we could make fun of each other...I can bring up all the fun incidents we went through and all the memories..but we know all that...I think the best for you and miss you..Happy Times.....Lew

Jana said "toast and roast", not just "Roast"

Man, after reading through the blog posts, I come away with two thoughts.  1) I am a lucky guy to have such great friends and family and 2) I have a long history of drinking.  Does every story have to involve a bar?  I suppose I earned the reputation.  Of course, I have found that is where the fun is, and I like to have a good time after all.  As we say in one my adopted hometown(s) of New Orleans, Let the Good Times Roll!

I will get to my reverse roast in a minute, but my buddy Chad made a statement that I can roll into any part of the country and fit right in.  I have always thought that every place is what you make of it, and I have had a lot of fun in the 7 states I have lived in.  That is more due to the people I have come across than anything I did.  Buffalo is home and always will be home to me, it made me who I am and I am lucky to have grown up there.  Our sports teams usually suck, it's cold, nasty, gray, down trodden, economically backwards, and all in all a tough place to live.  Despite this, we all love it and wouldn't change a thing (although a Stanley Cup or Superbowl win would be pretty sweet).  Ohio, brought me the JCU boys and the memories of college.  These guys are my friends for life and are the source of endless stories and belly laughs.  Florida represents the glory days of Jacksonville Rugby and our magical season of 1995.  I am sort of glad that these guys didn't chime in since it may have made this a little less family friendly.  Alabama...who would have thought I would have such a great group there?  My friends from Michelin rank up there with the JCU crew for the same reasons, endless stories.  Louisiana, my 2nd favorite place in the world after Buffalo for the city of New Orleans and how my life changed in those 18 months.  Minnesota...Awesome group of friends, road trips to the Dakotas, hockey, and a whole different lifestyle than anything I have ever experienced.  Finally, Massachusetts represents a tamer lifestyle and having my own family.  The common thread is that I have had great people surrounding me, and I have needed it through the years as most of you know.

Now...Jeff, I love you like a brother too despite your poor choice of sports teams.  Steven Peretti, the actual term is "face to waist" and it includes a shit mustache.  Rob, you forgot the Slamabama Hammers, serenading Napkins Atkins and Bob Gannon on your guitar, and the apple pies after the Viking meal at Kenyon.  Claire, the other Yankee was Danny Tartabull.  Jennie, I needed to be there when Joe Steen hit on you, drunk, not knowing who you were.  Russ, you have been around 15 years?? Wow!  Steve, have you ever beaten me at basketball in 32 years?  EVN, take ya shirts to the dry cleanahs, and that's an owdah!  Eric, the cigs were yours and a rather curious choice since 2 hours earlier you were "training" for the marathon.  Todd, I remember you pissing on a coffee table at Kent State in the midst of a drunken search for a toilet at some house we all crashed at, the problem was that I was sleeping downspout and got my first and last golden shower circa 1990.  Guy, the bar was not Club Paradise but "Fascinations" and you left out the part of ratting me out to the cops so you could avoid a DWI (at least that time).  Chadwick, thanks for the lead at Rain Bird, I appreciate you getting me in before you quit.  Mom, I sincerely apologize for ruining your furniture, but it was fun anyway.  Scotty, I bet if we "blog" for your birthday, you are one of the few that can out do me on the boozy stories.  Matt, if you could fight for yourself I wouldn't have a criminal record and would not be a garbage man today.  Andy, never happened, WTF are you talking about?  Bailey, the last MX man standing at the Bird, you will soon get your CLIA to go with your MBA so you can sell 5004PLPCSS.  Scott next door, you are indeed Wilson.  Barker, I can't believe you were such a bad influence on Freddie in NYC, he used to be a shy, introverted nerd.

I am sure this is more fun for me and does not make great reading, so I will wrap it up.  I mentioned my life changed in New Orleans, and it did in so many ways.  I will always remember standing on the sidewalk outside of The Old Abinsthe House on Bourbon St, when my future turned the corner to meet me for a blind date.  I hadn't met her, but knew it was her and somehow knew things were going to be OK in my new city.  As most of you know all to well (because I was pretty reliant on you) I was in a pretty bad place and it all started getting better at that moment.  I could handle the issues going on at that time and have fun again.  I survived a hurricane, two more moves, a scary start to Sophia's life, and the other things life throws at you because I finally met the person who loved me for who I am, like the rest of you reading this.  7 years later, Jana brings you all back in one spot, whether you were at the party or on this blog, and I realize how lucky I am to have each and every one of you in my life.   Jana planned the perfect surprise and she is truly the sweetest and most loving wife anyone could ever wish for.  She also makes some cute and fun kids ;)

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I hope I can be half the friend/brother/son/spouse/father that you all are to me.

Love, Mike

THE PARTY PICS

The crowd waiting for Mike to arrive!

Joe & Mary who drove from Buffalo

Mike's sister's Jennie & Claire

The siblings Jennie, Matt & Claire

Walking in the door to a living room full of people

Guy smiley

Talking to brother Steve who couldn't make it to Boston

Niece Riley making silly face

Claire with daughter Lorelei (her husband Russ in background)

Big Mike and Little Michael

How cute was Mike as a baby!

For the man who works in the trash industry...mini trash cans filled with candy as party favors!

Brothers enjoying a few Molson Canadians

Mangia everybody!

Mike with college buddy, Freddie and his wife, Margaret

Go Sox

Happy Birthday Mike! What can I say, you're a Yankee, Bill and Sabre fan and I still love you like a brother. I admire that you appreciate a fine lager (or whatever is being served), and I also appreciate that you don't rub in the Yankees' 27 World Series championships to the Sox's 7 (admit it, you're hearing the footsteps). You love your wife, you love your kids...what else is there. 

Well, there is one more thing...let me know how FORTY feels!

Your younger cousin,

Jeff

The Brother-in-Law from Waist to Face

If you understand what this blog entry title means, then you have been indoctrinated into the Graber inner circle, and I consider myself blessed to have Mike as my brother-in-law and the whole Graber family as part of my life.  I should clarify what "waist to face" means... suffice to say that one of Mike's life long family friends coined this phrase once to convey an interesting on the job experience. Perhaps the details of the story aren't as important as the deeper meaning... basically this expression speaks of being completely and fully immersed in your duties in life.

When I see Mike and Jana at their home, raising their kids, working to build careers, improve their home and do the best they can for their family, I proud to admit, they're committed in their life's path from "waist to face".

Mike, it has been a pleasure getting to know your family. I applaud everyone's commitment to family as I witness fantastic personal effort to be together for events like holidays, baptisms and birthday parties.  As I get to know the Grabers more and more, I want to let you know how grateful I am that my sister has a great husband and extended Graber family to be part of... it means more to me than you may realize.

I have posted a few pictures taken over the past few years that depict the concept of being part of something from "waist to face". I look forward to the years to come and the times together.

Love,

Stephen, Jana, Tali & Nicholas

PS - I also appreciate the fact that you also take care of our dog, Jack... Perhaps later April he can come over for another visit... remember - waist to face ;-)

Hello Big Mike.  I'm with Ferraro and Chuk on this one, none of us would be the same without having you as such a good friend in our lives.  We could fill a book with all the laughs we had together - - thankful for the opportunity to share them with you.  Love ya brother.  My parents wish you a happy birthday as well.  For those who might not have known Mike back in college, he was one cool cat and top athlete.  Just ask the Oakland Raiders assistant coach who offered Mike a beer after the Bills game - - "Good game today man... loosen up a little and get yourself a beer."  What?  Really?  That's funny, just 5-days ago Mike was smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer from a boot at a rugby party.  Good laughs.  Happy Birthday.  You're the richest man in the world with all the great friends and family you keep around the country.  Signed - Rob, Heather, Lane & Petey

Happy Birthday Mike!

Dear Mike,

I can't believe I am sitting here trying to put into words my thoughts and feelings on our shared experiences.  You see, I never thought I would live to see you reach 40.  I truly thought that I wouldn't make it to Kindergarten, because you were going to eat me for breakfast.  Ironic really, all those tears I cried in fear as a small child, and now I cry about the same thing, but only because I am laughing so hard I cannot control it!  In fact, I can't even tell people the story, because I can't get the words out, the whole thing is so ridiculous!

A six year age difference is a lot when you are young, and not so much as you grow up.  While I may not have ridden the bus with you, or had to endure the joint HS dances, I have vivid memories of those first years after you graduated from John Carroll and were living back in various places in Western New York.  Your old bedroom, where Mom wanted you to pay room and board once you came home with your green jeans and KILLER cowboy boots; your apartment in Cheektowaga (as I recall "where the treetops glisten, and you don't have to listen, to the girls, rumble in Swamp South); and of course your posh digs in Snyder.  It was nice being in high school and having someone to hang out with where you really could just be yourself.  It never bothered you that I was your little sister.

For my 16th birthday, you gave me a shirt that said "Here Come the Yankees" and featured none other than Wade Boggs, Bernie Williams and of course, Don Mattingly. (Perhaps it was Paul O'Neill?  I have the shirt still, I should pull it out to verify, since I KNOW you will remember!) Anyway,  you told me then that your goal for the summer was to turn me into a Yankees fan, and you were successful!  It was a great summer - you were so happy to share your love of the game, I was happy to learn, and many lazy afternoons were spent tuned to MSG when the Yanks were on.  Yes, even when Jim Abbott almost pitched a no hitter.  He didn't, I ruined it, and I also learned the rules of "jinxing" a professional sporting event.  I still feel bad about that.  I mean, the guy had one hand, and I jinxed his opportunity to go down in history!

If there is one thing to be learned from that summer though, it's that sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but it's a long season and in the end, you still get to the World Series.  A good metaphor for life, even if I didn't realize it at the time.  Maybe you did though.

When I have won, you were always there, cheering me on, with the pride and happiness showing in your face.  When I have lost, you were always there, providing a shoulder to cry on, some sage older brotherly advice, and most importantly, the support to pick myself up and move forward.  There have been many times that I have asked myself "What would Mike do" and I like to think that I make similar decisions.  I know for a fact, there have been several occasions where the answer to "What would Mike say if I did that?" changed my course :-)

They say that your siblings are the most important people in your life.  They are there longer than your parents, your spouse and your children, and will influence your personality in so many ways.  I couldn't agree more.  I know as the oldest you sometimes got the short end of the stick.  I never had to stay in on a Saturday to scrub the kitchen floor and I never had to set the example for the younger kids to follow.  That example though, Mike, is priceless.  The way you treat people, your dedication to fairness, your fierce loyalty - all of it has shown me how to be a better person.  Thank you for that.  

Happy Birthday Big Brother!  

Love,

Claire

Happy Birthday, Mike!

Dear Mike,

Jana invited us to post something on this blog several weeks ago.  I successfully put it off as long as I possibly could.  Not because I didn't want to write anything -- quite the contrary, actually.  I kept mulling it over in my head; trying to figure out which topics to touch on and which to leave unwritten.

Let's see. . .

When I was four years old you introduced me to ice cream cones.  I'll never forget the happiness in your voice when you said "you can eat the cone, too".  I think you knew how happy that news would make me and you were genuinely excited to share your ice cream knowledge with me.  I'll never forget it.

When I was in first grade, I got sick at school.  The school nurse couldn't get ahold of Mom, so I had to take the bus home.  I got sick on the bus and was sitting all alone.  You walked from the back of the bus to where I was sitting and you sat with me.  A boy walked by and said "why are you sitting with the puke girl?"  You said, "because she's my SISTER" while shoving this young man into the seat ahead of us.

High School.  Oh boy.  To say you were over-protective would be an understatement.  Considering all of the antics you and Matt were busy being involved with, I'm still surprised you had so much time to keep tabs on who I was hanging out with.  I can vividly recall St. Francis dances when, all night long, you were nowhere to be found UNTIL someone wanted to talk to me.  You would suddenly appear.  I still remember the look on potential suitors faces when they realized that I was YOUR little sister.      Sometimes it would drive me absolutely crazy while other times it came in quite handy!

A couple of years ago, while I was living in California, I had one of the worst days of my life.  I recall my computer crashing, my car dying, and then being notified that my checking account had been hacked.  All in one day.  I was beside myself.  I then received a phone call from you that you were en route to my house because you were nearby on business.  By the way, Phoenix isn't really "nearby" Monterey, but I'll take it!  You came to visit and you spent the night.  As you were leaving I said "thank you for coming - you have no idea how glad I am that you visited"  You replied, "sometimes seeing family is just good for the soul".

Your visit was very good for the soul.  And it will never be forgotten.  It's like you swooped in and just appeared out of nowhere and provided me with a healthy dose of perspective (and a few laughs, of course!).

So, Mike, on your 40th birthday I thank you for all you've taught me over the years.  I thank you for showing me the right way to eat an ice cream cone,  the protection you've always provided, and for always being so very "good for the soul".  

Mike, Ronan and Nate - California Coast, 2009

Love,
Jennie

Happy 40th Mike!

Being the oldest in my family, and having no brothers, it was quite an adjustment having a big brother that I had to look up to ... literally. Needless to say, it's been an interesting adjustment for me over these 15 years. But, when all is said and done, one thing is certain ... you're a good man Mike Graber, and I am glad to count myself among you "little" brothers.

-Russ 

P.S. Here are some pix I thought you might get a kick out of. 

Please do not share this with anyone.

My most memorable images of Mike:

JCU RUGBY PARTY'S (shoot the boot, elephant walk & S&M Man) - IMG00309.jpg (66.8 KB); IMG00199.jpg (72.3 KB); IMG04169.jpg (70.6 KB)

JCU Senior Dinner (I used to work in Chicago, I don't work there anymore.) - IMG0109.jpg (72.5 KB)

JCU Fort Lauderdale (passed out naked at the hotel pool) - IMG0311.jpg (69.1 KB)

Orlando (downtown "bars") - IMG1010.jpg (67.2 KB); IMG1011.jpg (70.2 KB)

New Orleans - Please send me your email info to view these. There are too many to post and they are way too racy.

Las Vegas - Same instructions as New Orleans

If you cannot download these I am bringing my laptop to the party so everyone can see them.

You asked for it, you got.

Happy 50th Mike!

Happy Birthday!

As your youngest brother, I would like to thank you for paving the way to 40.  It will be over 8 LONG YEARS before I reach this milestone.

Throughout my life you have taught me more things than I can possibly count.  How to shoot a basketball, how to throw a football, how to lick forks to see if they're metallic-tasting.  How to put the forks back in the drawer after I determine they are too metallic-tasting.  I learned that Mom "Does not sound like that!", and started a lifelong love of Duke basketball because my you happened to play against Christian Laettner a couple times.  I know I will talk to you on NFL Draft Day because, for some reason, you and I still give a shit about the Bills.  I call you whenever I'm in a new stadium, and have come to expect pictures from Fenway, or the Bills game, or Lambeau.  My friends still don't understand why I pay any attention to hockey, and "Who the hell is he talking to?" is a common question during Sabres playoff games.  I've never met a Saturday morning breakfast run I didn't like, and I say "oh really" all the time.

Most importantly, I learned that Loyalty trumps all else in friendship, and I know that a certain "Snake" is in attendance this weekend because he absolutely, 100% would not miss this event. 

I'll never be an oldest brother.  I'll never know what it's like to have 4 kids born after I was born.  However, if anyone ever asks me what a perfect oldest brother is, I will simply point at you and say "Mike Graber."

I love you Mike.  Happy Birthday.   

b.
 

Welcome to the 40th Club

Graber,

I want to you to feel good on your 40th and I want to remind you of a famous qoute from TA.  " We generally do not put our best sales reps in Birmingham."  Have a great B-Day


Eric Van Namee

Happy Birthday Grabs.

Grabs,

Unfortunately most of my stories are self incriminating; however I will start by going back to the day I met Mike at Michelin.   Mike left the Giants/Ravens Super bowl party (free beer) that Michelin put together for the new trainees, Mike head back to his room.  That’s Mike in a nut shell, always putting on the good show.  Give off the image he’s a non drinker.  It wasn't until later I realized he was full of ^*$#%).

Fast forward three years and sitting in the airport in San Antonio; I see a homeless person walking through the terminal.  This person turns out to be Mike returning back from the bars, not quite enough time to change cloths forget trying to get some sleep at the hotel.  Didn’t your boss question you about your travel attire?  Yes, that is Mike the non-drinker.  Should we even get into the time Jana had to pick you up from the bar in Maple Grove? 

In all fairness to Mike he had no leadership at home in Minneapolis.  I believe it was Jana that came to pick you up at my house and if I’m not mistaken, the two of you needed to spend the night in our guest bedroom.

Mike I miss our many trips to Fargo.  Planning at breakfast (with a hangover) what time we would get back to Buffalo Wild Wings to catch the start of the evening NHL playoff games, because that is what we needed, more beer.  No need to mention the many stories at the Spirits lounge watching Kenny get shut down by Heidi.  One question, how did two non-smokers put away a pack and a half of cigarettes in four hours?  Don’t answer that.  Miss having the opportunity to have beer with you from time to time.

Happy Birthday Grabs, I wish you and your family the best.

Eric Robertson

22 Years Since we first met. Wow! Happy 40th!

Grabes, Graber, Grabetto, Mikey, Big Mike, Michael,Mynute Beta,

Doesn't matter which name you use, he is still a big teddy bear, unitl you poke him with a stick, then he is a Grizzly.  Just ask one of our housemates.
Can;t believe how much time has passed since that fateful day of our first weekend at Carroll.  Riding on a bus to Cedar Point with the rest of the Freshman class, Mike was across the aisle from me and my room mate(Miller). Mike was sitting alone and looked a little lonely. Miller nudges me and says "introduce yourself".  I reach out my hand across the aisle and tell this huge guy my name.  He says his name is Mike. 
That was it. "Your from Buffalo?" No Way. We are from Buffalo too.
The rest is history. 
Pledging, the flats, parties, rugby games and tournys, breakfasts, lunch n dinner.  Jersey Shore, Ft. Laderdale (you know what I am talking about)

I have too many stories to share will all of you, well, and most of them can not be shared, but I can give all of you a heads up on Mike's Kryptonite.  Grabes is a big strong powerful man and hits hard on the Rugby pitch, I know because I was on the receiving end one time(Dick). But there is one thing that will make Mikey stop in his tracks.
It was our Senor year at Carroll, Mike was living with a couple other guys in an apt but he frequently visited our apt for a chew and a game of sega.  Our one housemate(Bestine-rest his soul) had brought home a new pet.  A five foot long Python.  He loved his new pet and would constantly have the nasty thing out of its cage.  This particular time he was chasing Mike and our other roomate(boychuk) around the apt with the snake.  He had them cornered.  The two of them were up on the couch holding each other and screaming at Bestine to keep the snake away. 
Ahhh, Good Times!

Needless to say, I have very much enjoyed being your friend. I hope you have a great 40th. Let me know how it is since mine is coming a month beind.

Take it easy.  Talk to ya soon.

Ferraro

Pix- Mike on our fishing expedition off the coast of Jersey.  After about an hour of puking, Mike was in this position for about 3 hours. To be fair, there were a couple other guys in similar shape.

Club Paradise circa 1996

One night after boozing with the Graber Boys...Mike and Matt..  Joe "the Snake" Stein and I accompanied Mike and Matt to a bar in Cheektawarsaw for the usually carousing that led nowhere.   Well my memory is a little foggy but I do recall Matt getting into it with few guys and big brother Mike always the protector stepped in to save the day.  Next thing I see is four bouncers carrying Mike out of the bar...Picture the 60's group the BeachBoys holding a surfboard.   well Mike would have been the surfboard and the bouncers the Beachboys... i wont mention the arrest that ensued afterwords...oops I just did.

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Big Guy-  Love- Mike & Dana Boychuk

Sorry we missed the party you are lucky to have such a great wife to plan such a great event.  Take care buddy.  Chuk