He was born into a busy family. The third child of four, with his brother coming fast behind him about a year and a half later, he had little time to be “the baby”. He dealt with it well, but I’m sure it had an effect on his childhood. He was usually quiet, but with a temper that came out pretty hard when it appeared. He took after his daddy in that area. I like to think he took after me in more ways than that, because he grew into a pretty awesome guy.
He bit a teacher, Mrs.Mickey, on the first day of kindergarten. I doubt she deserved it, but it was hard not to be on his side. It sounds funny now, but was quite an issue at the time. It was probably the only time I ever had to go to the school about his behavior. That’s a pretty good record for anyone. He did well in school. Of course, when you start off by biting the teacher, everyone else gets in line pretty quick. Prison rules apply.
In high school he shined. He helped start a school bank and ran it. He worked at a local grocery store, and eventually ran that, too. He took responsibility well and people trusted him. He went on to college at UT Martin and graduated. Only the second of our family to do so. He began working for a regional retail outlet that seems to have stores everywhere. He managed several stores and then worked for some years as a regional manager, but his passion was working his own store. Not without some reservations, he went back to managing his own store. He knew what he wanted to do and he did it. That speaks well for anyone.
He’s always been the person you can go to for help. The one that will take time, energy and resources to do things for others. I’ve watched him struggle quietly at times and work hard to dig his way out of difficulties. Never complaining, never quitting, but with a smile and a “how can I help?” he’s in there, elbow deep, solving his own, and other people’s problems. It’s not flashy. It’s not how you get attention, but he does the work no one else will do. He steps up. Every time. He makes his father, and his family, proud to know him.
If you go into his store on Old Hickory Boulevard, in Jackson, Tennessee this week (or next-his birthday is May 25th) wish Micheal Wayne Stone a Happy Birthday! Chances are he’ll be working the DG register, or stocking items, or any of the million things he does as the manager there. Know this, if you do: he deserves a very happy thirty-seventh birthday, because he’s one of the best people I know.
I might be a little biased, but it doesn’t mean I’m wrong.
Happy Birthday, Mike! Dad loves you!
God bless Y’all!
Rolling Stones 