Karin Sachar

The favourite of all my cousins in law, Michael is an unexpected familial bonus, an unlooked for perk of marrying Alex.

I love Michael’s fearless questioning, openness and vulnerability, compassion and curiosity. 

I can’t remember when I first met him, but every Christmas get together was more fun because he was attending. Maybe he wanted to shoot the shit with my sister, making her comfortable being herself just by being himself. Maybe he wanted to act the yenta and ask the Montreal cousins probing questions about their dating lives. Maybe he was congratulating Marg effusively on another successful fete, whether or not he had an appetite that night. Or maybe he was hanging out on the couch with Rachelle, surprising me the first time I learned he called her Petal.

I always read Michael’s writing immediately when he posts anything. Michael’s writing always makes me laugh, or think, or cry. Sometimes all three. How he manages this with so few words is some sort of alchemy.  I loved his book, and was a bit shy but honoured when I got to read a chapter at the book launch. He seemed tickled by my channeling of Heidi and I hope I did it justice.

Michael has so many friends, different and interesting, who truly care for him so much. He builds such wonderful meaningful connections with people. He’s not content with just talking about the weather, he wants to know important things about your life. Or also unimportant things, but ones specific to you that might give him a window into understanding you.

Sending you so much love Michael and feeling very fortunate to know you. 

Love,

Karin