You were always Mike to me, not anything else. My brother.

You were my first friend, my first enemy, my first buddy, my teacher, my mentor. I followed you at a distance – my music tastes are forged in your tastes, and thankfully helped me to find my two best friends.

I knew you as nobody else, a special bond that not even death can take away. I always wanted to be you because you are what I wanted to be.

Even when destiny handed down a death sentence, you persisted. All the way.

I see the passion, the character, the strength, the charisma, the determination, the will power in your girls – man, once again you did a great job. Unsurprisingly, your choice of lifelong partner was spot on. She’s tough as nails.

So four months have passed. Feels like yesterday.

My regret is that I wasn’t in Malta to enjoy more time with you. It’s a similar regret I have with our father – at least I got to spend an infinitesimally short time with you before you left. And for that, I am grateful. Very grateful.

I don’t need to tell people how great you are – they know that. Everyone knows Cuti. And everyone misses Cuti,

To me, you are Mike, my brother. Miss you man.