Finding Michael in Every Day Moments.

A story of memory and moving forward.

For Liz Michasiw, the sudden loss of her son Michael in December 2020 is something that will always be part of her story - but so is the deep love, pride, and connection they shared throughout his life.

Michael was someone who embraced life fully. He loved to travel, explore, and experience the world - and many of those adventures, he shared with his mom. Those memories now live on in the stories Liz tells, in the photos she’s beginning to gather, and in the quiet, powerful moments where the past and present seem to meet.

One of those places is on the ski hill. Michael was an avid skier and a sought-out instructor - confident, skilled, and passionate about the sport. For a while after his passing, skiing felt out of reach for Liz. But slowly, she found her way back.

And when she did, something unexpected happened:

“I find going down the hill I am in the world my son and I shared. I swear there are moments where I hear him so vividly, encouraging me and saying, ‘Mom, get on your edges, lean forward!’ Such a comfort as I ski.”

In those moments, the connection is still there - steady, familiar, and guiding her forward.

Liz describes her journey of grief as something that unfolds over time. Recently, she’s reached a place where she feels ready to begin going through Michael’s belongings - to gather photos, revisit memories, read cards he once wrote her meet his friends and share his story. It’s not easy work. But it’s meaningful.

Excerpt that Michael wrote when reflecting about his relationship with his mom.

Alongside these personal steps, finding connection with others who understand suicide loss has been an important part of Liz’s healing. Traveling to meet his friends and family, visiting places he used to work, and being part of a supportive group - a space where stories can be shared openly and without judgment - has made a real difference. Because grief can feel isolating. But it doesn’t have to be.

Through sharing her story and working with The Power is in the Grip, Liz is helping create space for others to feel seen, to remember their own loved ones, and to know that there is support in community.

Her strength isn’t about “moving on.” It’s about moving forward - while still holding Michael close in all the ways that matter.

And sometimes, it’s in the simplest, most unexpected places - like the quiet rush of a ski hill - where that connection feels strongest. 💛