My Good Friend Michael


This is a picture of me and my good friend Michael Thompson.  It was during my blonde decades, so, a while ago.  I have aged gracefully since that photo.  Michael hasn't aged at all.  

We met during our time with Toastmasters.  We have become very good friends, but, we are the kind of friends who genuinely want each other to grow.  He gives me honest feedback on things that I do that I don't always like.  I give him honest feedback on things that he does that I don't like.  We have a healthy relationship so that neither or our egos get hurt.  (Ok, mine gets hurt but then I quickly am grateful for the feedback.)  Even though we have disagreements, we still are able to agree to disagree and respect each other.  Most of our relationship has to do with laughter.  

I like him more every year and that is due to his partner Jill and his son Luke.  Jill is an amazing woman.  For Michael to land her, well, that is pretty impressive.  Since Luke has been born, Michael has been an amazing father and they are raising a pretty cool young man.  

Michael Thompson is running for City Council in the Fort Rouge - East Fort Garry Ward and I am honoured to be part of his team.  He is also surprising me.  I would vote for him just because he lives his life according to a set of core values.  Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Respect aren't just words for him.  He walks the walk.  The surprise for me is how much he knows about the Ward.  When I walk the streets with him, he can tell some trivia about just about every house and every building.  When I have asked him practice questions for debates or forums, he blows me away at how much research he has done and his ability to make sense of very complex issues and be solution focued.  

So, as I said, we met in Toastmasters.  In a Toastmasters speech contest, all contestants are introduced the same way.  Your name.  The title of your speech.  The title of your speech.  Your name.  

I was competing in a humorous speech contest and Michael was one of them.  We didn't talk prior to the contest because that wouldn't be fair.  

I was introduced.  

Shelley Ireland.  My Good Friend Michael.  My Good Friend Michael.  Shelley Ireland.

As I was making my way to the podium, I caught a glimpse of Michael out of the corner of my eye.  His eyes were wide open and he had this look of terror on his face.  When I started my speech and he realized the speech was about a different Michael, I saw him exhale.  

I have laughed many times in my head about that moment.  What was he scared of?  First of all, although Michael has a great sense of humor, he doesn't do anything that is hilarious.  I mean, he doesn't make a fool of himself.  He is always dignified.  Secondly, and most importantly, he has no faults.  Believe me, I have looked.  If he had faults, I would have found them.  I mean, it is seriously annoying, having a perfect friend.  

But, it is a cross I have to bear.  And, I can assure you, I am a better person as a result of my friendship with him.  I also can assure you that the City would be better with him as a Councilor.  


Michael Thompson
For a positive difference, your candidate for City Councillor 
Fort Rouge - East Fort Garry Ward Civic Election Oct 24/18
Phone: 204-272-9555
Email: VoteMichaelT@shaw.ca
www.VoteMichaelThompson.ca
Twitter: /VoteMichaelT
Facebook: /VoteMichaelT

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