23 years ago in Carrizozo, New Mexico

When I first heard that Mike had died, I wanted to go to the site of his accident. Don't really know why. Probably just part of trying to believe and be at peace with what had happened.


While on spring break this year, we were traveling in New Mexico. Joe's sister and family traveled on Highway 54 through Carrizozo to meet up with us, and Ellen was kind enough to stop and take pictures where Mike had his car accident. Joe and I had driven on this road through Carrizozo before, but at that time I hadn't seen Mike's accident report to know exactly where his accident took place.

Per his commander: "He was traveling south on highway 54 approximately 4 miles north of Carrizozo, New Mexico, when he lost control of his car and skidded off the road."

This is the place.
Ellen and Reinhard were thoughtful enough to put together this quick roadside cross and sign for him.

I had always remembered the area to be quite desolate.

Now looking at the area, I think it's quite peaceful and beautiful, actually. I hadn't remembered the nice snow-capped mountains in the background.

There is peace in knowing where a loved one spent his final moments.

From Maria Seppi Atanasio

Hi Laura,

I went to school with your brother Mike. Just visited his memorial page and cried my eyes out to the song "Come to Jesus!" I really wasn't that close to Mike, but always liked him and remembered his thick and very curly beautiful head of hair and a smile with dimples that could light up a room! He was a handsome boy. It gives me peace to see his journals, and for him speak of the Lord and his faith. It gives me a hope that I will see him again one day in Heaven. I am so sorry for the loss of your brother but when someone young dies I often think of a verse in the bible:

ISAIAH 57:1 (New International Version)
The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.

I pray the Lord continues to comfort you and give you peace and strength!

Blessings always,
Maria

I remember Maria being a stand-out singer in high school, and she has continued her gift of singing through her church. You can listen to her in this beautiful worship song she wrote, "Lord, You Deserve My All," and another inspiring song, "Made Me Glad."