Michael Paul Unsell

Eulogy of
Michael Paul Unsell
November 23, 1970 – January 30, 2021

Michael was one of Heaven's very special children when he was brought to this earth on November 23rd, 1970 here in Stillwater, OK. Upon birth, Michael was diagnosed with a very rare syndrome, which doctors knew very little about at the time. His parents were heartbroken to hear that Michael would not be able to do many of the things that we take for granted and there were things that he simply would never do. Michael would not be able to talk, wouldn't be able to grow and develop like other children, and was expected to live a very shortened life. Michael definitely beat those odds and graced us with his presence for 50 years in this world. During that time, Michael brought a lot of joy and happiness to many people and those who go t to know Michael not only saw the things he couldn't do but discovered very quickly the things that he could do despite those difficulties.
Michael could express his love with a look, with a smile, or with a hug. He could even express love by showing who he felt comfortable enough to sit next to or fall asleep near, because he trusted he'd be cared for. He could communicate his needs with crying or fussing because he knew his friends and family would come and help him. Love isn't only shared through words. Love is much deeper than words. Michael could inspire. He inspired people to try harder. By seeing how difficult it was for him to overcome some of his challenges, it was a constant reminder to not take for granted the blessings that you received. Michael was a teacher, he taught everyone he encountered about kindness, patience, and dedication because it took a lot of each to care for his needs day after day. Michael could give gifts. No, not in the traditional sense of the word, but he gave us the gift of insight by showing us things we might otherwise have missed. He gave us the gift of perspective by reminding us that most of our problems are not really problems and to again be grateful every single day for the blessings that God Bestowed on us. Michael gave us the gift of beauty.
His life wasn't easy, and it wasn't glamourous. There were a lot of hard times for him, his family, and friends, but he taught us that we can see past the difficulties and find the beauty, for there is always beauty. Finally, Michael gave us the gift of unconditional love. Unconditional love is loving even when it hurts, even when it's not easy. It's loving because you simply can't help but love. And that is the greatest triumph of any life. To love and be loved. And Michael taught us how to love without words, without limits, or without reasons.
Michael was one of God's rainbows. Through the tough times, through the adversity and the challenges and the pain, he shone through with his special light. It's not fair that his bright light has left us. Yet, we can be assured that like the rainbow, he was a blessing from God above. We can both mourn the loss of his life and we can celebrate the life he led and the lessons he gave us. For the best gift he gave us was his very life. He was truly a gift. For all the ways the taught us about life and love, for all the ways he inspired us to be better; and, for all the love he gave while he was here with us, he was a gift to each of us. May we never forget this beautiful gift. May we give strength and support to his family as they find their way in this world without him. And may we honor his memory every time we look up to the sky, look past those clouds and see the rainbow.
A Celebration of Life for Michael will be held on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 2:00pm at Dighton-Marler Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Cancer Research % Dighton Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N Washington, Stillwater, OK 74075.