These posts are a mix of Mike’s own writing and our reflections and stories about him.
If you’d like to contribute a post, please contact me.
Mike’s writing
Mike was a great writer, though he didn’t necessarily think he was and often kept it on the down-low. He briefly attended Columbia University’s MFA program before moving back to the Bay Area from New York City.
Read Mike’s story, The Sombrero.
Latest Posts
Voices for the Cure
Two of Mike’s works — his short story called ‘The Train and a poem called ‘Mooncake’ — have recently been published in an anthology featuring contributions from people with ALS and their caregivers. It also includes a piece I wrote called “Eighteen Months,” which briefly chronicles Mike’s illness from the perspective of someone who was one of his caregivers and who loved him deeply.
All proceeds from the sales of this book go to ALS Therapy Development Institute, a fantastic nonprofit dedicated to ALS research. ALS TDI reached out to Mike early in his illness and earned his respect for both the work they do to find viable treatments for ALS and the caring professionalism they show to pALS (people with ALS).
The Train
Excerpt from ‘The Train’ by Michael Thomson
‘After a couple hitchhikes and an hour of walking, I made it out to the highway. Then I saw it: the train. It was long and clackety, a grain and cattle train. I didn’t know where it was heading, but I knew for sure I wanted on it . . . ‘
To read the whole story, order the book.