Michael's Message, Inc.

Michael Paul Tiedemann was the loving, caring and gentle son of Brad and Debbie Alumbaugh, brother to Eliese and David Drawdy, and uncle to Shawn. Michael was a sophomore at a high school in Florida. He was a member of a local karate club association, receiving his black belt and becoming an instructor at that institution. Michael was also an instructor at a karate summer camp. He received several academic awards for spelling, mathematics, reading and music. Michael was on his high school's honor roll and had been honored as a Citizen of the Year.. Michael was a dear friend to the many people he touched in his short life here with us.

Michael weighed only three (3) pounds when he was born. The doctor held him up in his hand and told my parents "It is up to him (GOD)."

Michael started to gain weight right away, soon he weighed four (4) pounds and they said we could bring him home. He was so small; I brought him home in Cabbage Patch doll clothes.

Michael was small, but he believed he could do anything he set his mind to. He joined the YABA bowling league. We had to have a special 2-pound ball made with tiny finger holes. He had to bowl in his socks, because we couldn't get shoes small enough for him. He turned out to be a pretty good little bowler, winning trophies and patches.

Next, he decided he wanted to try little league. For the next three and a half years, he played on as many teams and enjoyed the victory of winning all stars.

Michael grew into a fine, healthy, beautiful young man. He was loving and kind, gentle and compassionate. Even at fifteen, he would cuddle up on his "dad's" lap to watch TV. Michael would show love and affection to his parents even in front of his friends. We didn't know how many lives Michael had touched in his short fifteen years until after his death. The stories of love, compassion and friendship still come to us today.

Michael had no history of drug use. All of a sudden, one immature moment to experiment took him away from us. Not a day goes by that we don't think about Michael or feel his presence with us. He is in our hearts and will always be. We can never forget how much he loved his family and friends and how much laughter he brought into our lives. We know now that GOD holds him in the palm of HIS hand.