Mike was a very dear friend to me, as well as to many others. He is much loved and will be greatly missed.
He was a brilliant man of many endearing facets, which included:
Service to Our Country -
Veteran, U.S. Air Force, 4 years
and,
Veteran, U.S. Army Reserves, 3 years
Matthew 20:26
"It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,"
Mike was a fantastic golfer and superb athlete. He loved being outside on the golf course and had the opportunity to play professionally, but was steadfast in his desire to practice medicine instead. Crowds would gather around to watch the force with which he wielded his distinctive (Arnold Palmer-like) swing whenever he took to the driving range. It was a thing of flawless artistry and superior athleticism, easily recognized as outstanding by all who witnessed it. Mike could consistently hit a straight shot at 450-475 feet and throughout his life, no matter how many years intervened between his playing on the course, he always graciously walked off a humble and subdued winner. However, that statement is not meant to imply that his heart did not sing on each occasion. It was perhaps the greatest joy of his life - held in private - because he believed his competence with a golf club to be the most obvious example of his ability to synchronize his mental focus and self-control, along with his physical power and natural agility. The harmony with which his mind and body functioned amazed even himself at those times. He used to say, he did not play golf with his body, but instead, with his mind and if that be true, I can attest to the fact that in all aspects, the Lord had gifted him with a very strong mind.
1 Corinthians 6:19
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,"
If left to himself, Mike enjoyed dining out at his favorite seafood restaurant, long drives through the country and spending quiet time at home watching his beloved golf amid chips and salsa. He invariably made a point of getting in touch with anyone who had called upon him as a mentor or, teacher during these times, also. However, what Mike was always most eager to do in his time off was whatever those he loved wanted to do. During my time with him, if I went to aerobics, he went to aerobics. If I did calisthenics on the living room floor, he joined me. If I wanted to go for a walk... off we went and if during that walk, I felt like breaking into a run, he would be right there with me. Likewise, he exhibited just as much enthusiasm when running to take over laundry, bathroom and trash duties, just because he knew they were distasteful to me - even after having worked 48 hour shifts while in residency. There was a quaintness to Mike's demeanor at those moments and a sincere wish to cater to those who supported him in his goals. He was a very special man of gentle humility and good character. Inasmuch, Mike never forgot that above all, his greatest asset was his close relationship with God, who he involved in every aspect of his life when kneeling at bedside each night.
Psalms 131:1
"My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty;"
Mike had breast cancer for 9 years preceding his death and bone cancer for the last 4 years of his life though he forestalled being officially diagnosed until April of 2003. Cancer is always a great tragedy, but it seemed even more so in light of the great battles already fought by this man and all the struggles he had valiantly overcome when fulfilling his desire to heal others. Nonetheless, he met this newest challenge with the same fervor with which he had confronted each that came before. He refused to let adversity deter him from living each day to it's fullest potential. And so it was, that even as his disease progressed and his bones became too fragile to risk lifting his own briefcase, the ever unflappable Michael merely opted for a wheeled version. Keeping the pace was all he had ever known and keep going he did, never mentioning his disabilities to others, still thrilled to participate in his opportunity to help others, while never asking for assistance on behalf of himself.
2 Peter 1:5-7
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."
Being a doctor meant everything to Mike and he pursued it with a great passion. He grappled to put himself through medical school at University Mundial Dominicana (UMD), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic alone, with cherished daughter in tow. (He had been a single father to Cindy, who he lovingly called, Tiger, since the time she was 4yo.) In later years, Mike lauded his Caribbean education. He felt it afforded him far greater natural diagnostic abilities than he would have garnered from being educated solely within the United States and the way in which his peers sought him out for counsel seemed to confirm this as fact.
Psalms 103:13
"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him."
Mike had used his GI Bill to become a pharmacist and completed his undergraduate studies at The Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in New York. Thereafter, he worked many 12 hour days, six or, seven days a week, living very meagerly and saving every penny to put toward his goal of going to medical school. He was so pleased when he completed his education without ever having taken out a school loan. Upon returning from the Caribbean, he was honored to be accepted into the Internal Medicine Program at St. Vincent's of Richmond on Staten Island immediately after passing the FMGEMS, which he accomplished on his first attempt. (Many never pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination upon returning home.) After a year at Staten Island, he transferred to St. Vincent's in Manhattan where he completed his training in Anesthesia. He specialized in Cardiac Anesthesiology and was Board certified - a ranking that many anesthesiologists never acquire. Immediately upon gaining Board Certification and only months following fruition of residency, he moved to Brownsville, TX, where he helped start the region's first open heart and heart transplant program in 1993.
Luke 18:27
"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Mike was affectionately known as "Dr. G" by his colleagues. He enjoyed caring for his patients, took great pride in the fact that he'd never once had a formal complaint lodged against him and served the community of Brownsville with distinction for over 15 years. Mike was, also, well respected for his refusal to participate in questionable surgeries and his willingness to withstand pressure from his peers to do so, when he felt it was not in the patient's best interests to proceed.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."
As his cancer advanced, a weakened yet, just as tenacious Michael traded off the long hours spent in the operating room for the opportunity to open his own business, Youthful Essence in Katy, TX in 2006. He trained in several cosmetic and aesthetic procedures and became a member of The American Academy of Cosmetic Physicians and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. During this time, he, also, acted as the Medical Director of SKINovative Houston Galleria. His ability to transverse fields allowed him to continue practicing up until a year prior to his death. Throughout all these many years, no one even among those who worked with him daily, suspected he was ill. He overcame the hardships of his disease with the same strength and perseverance he had exercised throughout medical school and residency. He masked his pain and carried with him a smile that brightened the day of all who encountered him.
James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Mike loved nature, especially the Lake Tahoe area where he had often vacationed while growing up in San Jose. He loved the mountains, the water and fresh air. He choose to spend the last months of his life there, just for the purpose of dying surrounded by the beauty he had been so appreciative of in his youth, amid family and in touch with only the closest of friends.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (V2) A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;"
Mike was preceded in death by his loving parents, Jennie Torrez Gomez and Michael S. Gomez, Sr.
John 11:23
"Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." (V24) Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." (V25) Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;"
Rest peacefully, Michael, for you have left those who knew you in the possession of many endless and invaluable gifts. Accordingly, there are many who will remain forever grateful for the opportunity of having witnessed the full breadth of your ability, the intensity of your genius and the joy of your childlike zest. I truly miss knowing you are out there living the life you had trained and slaved to achieve.
Psalm 30:5
"Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
*Thank you to all who have taken the time to read this and drop flowers on Michael's behalf. God bless you!
He was a brilliant man of many endearing facets, which included:
Service to Our Country -
Veteran, U.S. Air Force, 4 years
and,
Veteran, U.S. Army Reserves, 3 years
Matthew 20:26
"It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,"
Mike was a fantastic golfer and superb athlete. He loved being outside on the golf course and had the opportunity to play professionally, but was steadfast in his desire to practice medicine instead. Crowds would gather around to watch the force with which he wielded his distinctive (Arnold Palmer-like) swing whenever he took to the driving range. It was a thing of flawless artistry and superior athleticism, easily recognized as outstanding by all who witnessed it. Mike could consistently hit a straight shot at 450-475 feet and throughout his life, no matter how many years intervened between his playing on the course, he always graciously walked off a humble and subdued winner. However, that statement is not meant to imply that his heart did not sing on each occasion. It was perhaps the greatest joy of his life - held in private - because he believed his competence with a golf club to be the most obvious example of his ability to synchronize his mental focus and self-control, along with his physical power and natural agility. The harmony with which his mind and body functioned amazed even himself at those times. He used to say, he did not play golf with his body, but instead, with his mind and if that be true, I can attest to the fact that in all aspects, the Lord had gifted him with a very strong mind.
1 Corinthians 6:19
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,"
If left to himself, Mike enjoyed dining out at his favorite seafood restaurant, long drives through the country and spending quiet time at home watching his beloved golf amid chips and salsa. He invariably made a point of getting in touch with anyone who had called upon him as a mentor or, teacher during these times, also. However, what Mike was always most eager to do in his time off was whatever those he loved wanted to do. During my time with him, if I went to aerobics, he went to aerobics. If I did calisthenics on the living room floor, he joined me. If I wanted to go for a walk... off we went and if during that walk, I felt like breaking into a run, he would be right there with me. Likewise, he exhibited just as much enthusiasm when running to take over laundry, bathroom and trash duties, just because he knew they were distasteful to me - even after having worked 48 hour shifts while in residency. There was a quaintness to Mike's demeanor at those moments and a sincere wish to cater to those who supported him in his goals. He was a very special man of gentle humility and good character. Inasmuch, Mike never forgot that above all, his greatest asset was his close relationship with God, who he involved in every aspect of his life when kneeling at bedside each night.
Psalms 131:1
"My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty;"
Mike had breast cancer for 9 years preceding his death and bone cancer for the last 4 years of his life though he forestalled being officially diagnosed until April of 2003. Cancer is always a great tragedy, but it seemed even more so in light of the great battles already fought by this man and all the struggles he had valiantly overcome when fulfilling his desire to heal others. Nonetheless, he met this newest challenge with the same fervor with which he had confronted each that came before. He refused to let adversity deter him from living each day to it's fullest potential. And so it was, that even as his disease progressed and his bones became too fragile to risk lifting his own briefcase, the ever unflappable Michael merely opted for a wheeled version. Keeping the pace was all he had ever known and keep going he did, never mentioning his disabilities to others, still thrilled to participate in his opportunity to help others, while never asking for assistance on behalf of himself.
2 Peter 1:5-7
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."
Being a doctor meant everything to Mike and he pursued it with a great passion. He grappled to put himself through medical school at University Mundial Dominicana (UMD), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic alone, with cherished daughter in tow. (He had been a single father to Cindy, who he lovingly called, Tiger, since the time she was 4yo.) In later years, Mike lauded his Caribbean education. He felt it afforded him far greater natural diagnostic abilities than he would have garnered from being educated solely within the United States and the way in which his peers sought him out for counsel seemed to confirm this as fact.
Psalms 103:13
"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him."
Mike had used his GI Bill to become a pharmacist and completed his undergraduate studies at The Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in New York. Thereafter, he worked many 12 hour days, six or, seven days a week, living very meagerly and saving every penny to put toward his goal of going to medical school. He was so pleased when he completed his education without ever having taken out a school loan. Upon returning from the Caribbean, he was honored to be accepted into the Internal Medicine Program at St. Vincent's of Richmond on Staten Island immediately after passing the FMGEMS, which he accomplished on his first attempt. (Many never pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination upon returning home.) After a year at Staten Island, he transferred to St. Vincent's in Manhattan where he completed his training in Anesthesia. He specialized in Cardiac Anesthesiology and was Board certified - a ranking that many anesthesiologists never acquire. Immediately upon gaining Board Certification and only months following fruition of residency, he moved to Brownsville, TX, where he helped start the region's first open heart and heart transplant program in 1993.
Luke 18:27
"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Mike was affectionately known as "Dr. G" by his colleagues. He enjoyed caring for his patients, took great pride in the fact that he'd never once had a formal complaint lodged against him and served the community of Brownsville with distinction for over 15 years. Mike was, also, well respected for his refusal to participate in questionable surgeries and his willingness to withstand pressure from his peers to do so, when he felt it was not in the patient's best interests to proceed.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."
As his cancer advanced, a weakened yet, just as tenacious Michael traded off the long hours spent in the operating room for the opportunity to open his own business, Youthful Essence in Katy, TX in 2006. He trained in several cosmetic and aesthetic procedures and became a member of The American Academy of Cosmetic Physicians and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. During this time, he, also, acted as the Medical Director of SKINovative Houston Galleria. His ability to transverse fields allowed him to continue practicing up until a year prior to his death. Throughout all these many years, no one even among those who worked with him daily, suspected he was ill. He overcame the hardships of his disease with the same strength and perseverance he had exercised throughout medical school and residency. He masked his pain and carried with him a smile that brightened the day of all who encountered him.
James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Mike loved nature, especially the Lake Tahoe area where he had often vacationed while growing up in San Jose. He loved the mountains, the water and fresh air. He choose to spend the last months of his life there, just for the purpose of dying surrounded by the beauty he had been so appreciative of in his youth, amid family and in touch with only the closest of friends.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (V2) A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;"
Mike was preceded in death by his loving parents, Jennie Torrez Gomez and Michael S. Gomez, Sr.
John 11:23
"Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." (V24) Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." (V25) Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;"
Rest peacefully, Michael, for you have left those who knew you in the possession of many endless and invaluable gifts. Accordingly, there are many who will remain forever grateful for the opportunity of having witnessed the full breadth of your ability, the intensity of your genius and the joy of your childlike zest. I truly miss knowing you are out there living the life you had trained and slaved to achieve.
Psalm 30:5
"Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
*Thank you to all who have taken the time to read this and drop flowers on Michael's behalf. God bless you!
Mike was a very dear friend to me, as well as to many others. He is much loved and will be greatly missed.
He was a brilliant man of many endearing facets, which included:
Service to Our Country -
Veteran, U.S. Air Force, 4 years
and,
Veteran, U.S. Army Reserves, 3 years
Matthew 20:26
"It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,"
Mike was a fantastic golfer and superb athlete. He loved being outside on the golf course and had the opportunity to play professionally, but was steadfast in his desire to practice medicine instead. Crowds would gather around to watch the force with which he wielded his distinctive (Arnold Palmer-like) swing whenever he took to the driving range. It was a thing of flawless artistry and superior athleticism, easily recognized as outstanding by all who witnessed it. Mike could consistently hit a straight shot at 450-475 feet and throughout his life, no matter how many years intervened between his playing on the course, he always graciously walked off a humble and subdued winner. However, that statement is not meant to imply that his heart did not sing on each occasion. It was perhaps the greatest joy of his life - held in private - because he believed his competence with a golf club to be the most obvious example of his ability to synchronize his mental focus and self-control, along with his physical power and natural agility. The harmony with which his mind and body functioned amazed even himself at those times. He used to say, he did not play golf with his body, but instead, with his mind and if that be true, I can attest to the fact that in all aspects, the Lord had gifted him with a very strong mind.
1 Corinthians 6:19
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,"
If left to himself, Mike enjoyed dining out at his favorite seafood restaurant, long drives through the country and spending quiet time at home watching his beloved golf amid chips and salsa. He invariably made a point of getting in touch with anyone who had called upon him as a mentor or, teacher during these times, also. However, what Mike was always most eager to do in his time off was whatever those he loved wanted to do. During my time with him, if I went to aerobics, he went to aerobics. If I did calisthenics on the living room floor, he joined me. If I wanted to go for a walk... off we went and if during that walk, I felt like breaking into a run, he would be right there with me. Likewise, he exhibited just as much enthusiasm when running to take over laundry, bathroom and trash duties, just because he knew they were distasteful to me - even after having worked 48 hour shifts while in residency. There was a quaintness to Mike's demeanor at those moments and a sincere wish to cater to those who supported him in his goals. He was a very special man of gentle humility and good character. Inasmuch, Mike never forgot that above all, his greatest asset was his close relationship with God, who he involved in every aspect of his life when kneeling at bedside each night.
Psalms 131:1
"My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty;"
Mike had breast cancer for 9 years preceding his death and bone cancer for the last 4 years of his life though he forestalled being officially diagnosed until April of 2003. Cancer is always a great tragedy, but it seemed even more so in light of the great battles already fought by this man and all the struggles he had valiantly overcome when fulfilling his desire to heal others. Nonetheless, he met this newest challenge with the same fervor with which he had confronted each that came before. He refused to let adversity deter him from living each day to it's fullest potential. And so it was, that even as his disease progressed and his bones became too fragile to risk lifting his own briefcase, the ever unflappable Michael merely opted for a wheeled version. Keeping the pace was all he had ever known and keep going he did, never mentioning his disabilities to others, still thrilled to participate in his opportunity to help others, while never asking for assistance on behalf of himself.
2 Peter 1:5-7
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."
Being a doctor meant everything to Mike and he pursued it with a great passion. He grappled to put himself through medical school at University Mundial Dominicana (UMD), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic alone, with cherished daughter in tow. (He had been a single father to Cindy, who he lovingly called, Tiger, since the time she was 4yo.) In later years, Mike lauded his Caribbean education. He felt it afforded him far greater natural diagnostic abilities than he would have garnered from being educated solely within the United States and the way in which his peers sought him out for counsel seemed to confirm this as fact.
Psalms 103:13
"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him."
Mike had used his GI Bill to become a pharmacist and completed his undergraduate studies at The Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in New York. Thereafter, he worked many 12 hour days, six or, seven days a week, living very meagerly and saving every penny to put toward his goal of going to medical school. He was so pleased when he completed his education without ever having taken out a school loan. Upon returning from the Caribbean, he was honored to be accepted into the Internal Medicine Program at St. Vincent's of Richmond on Staten Island immediately after passing the FMGEMS, which he accomplished on his first attempt. (Many never pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination upon returning home.) After a year at Staten Island, he transferred to St. Vincent's in Manhattan where he completed his training in Anesthesia. He specialized in Cardiac Anesthesiology and was Board certified - a ranking that many anesthesiologists never acquire. Immediately upon gaining Board Certification and only months following fruition of residency, he moved to Brownsville, TX, where he helped start the region's first open heart and heart transplant program in 1993.
Luke 18:27
"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Mike was affectionately known as "Dr. G" by his colleagues. He enjoyed caring for his patients, took great pride in the fact that he'd never once had a formal complaint lodged against him and served the community of Brownsville with distinction for over 15 years. Mike was, also, well respected for his refusal to participate in questionable surgeries and his willingness to withstand pressure from his peers to do so, when he felt it was not in the patient's best interests to proceed.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."
As his cancer advanced, a weakened yet, just as tenacious Michael traded off the long hours spent in the operating room for the opportunity to open his own business, Youthful Essence in Katy, TX in 2006. He trained in several cosmetic and aesthetic procedures and became a member of The American Academy of Cosmetic Physicians and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. During this time, he, also, acted as the Medical Director of SKINovative Houston Galleria. His ability to transverse fields allowed him to continue practicing up until a year prior to his death. Throughout all these many years, no one even among those who worked with him daily, suspected he was ill. He overcame the hardships of his disease with the same strength and perseverance he had exercised throughout medical school and residency. He masked his pain and carried with him a smile that brightened the day of all who encountered him.
James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Mike loved nature, especially the Lake Tahoe area where he had often vacationed while growing up in San Jose. He loved the mountains, the water and fresh air. He choose to spend the last months of his life there, just for the purpose of dying surrounded by the beauty he had been so appreciative of in his youth, amid family and in touch with only the closest of friends.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (V2) A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;"
Mike was preceded in death by his loving parents, Jennie Torrez Gomez and Michael S. Gomez, Sr.
John 11:23
"Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." (V24) Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." (V25) Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;"
Rest peacefully, Michael, for you have left those who knew you in the possession of many endless and invaluable gifts. Accordingly, there are many who will remain forever grateful for the opportunity of having witnessed the full breadth of your ability, the intensity of your genius and the joy of your childlike zest. I truly miss knowing you are out there living the life you had trained and slaved to achieve.
Psalm 30:5
"Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
*Thank you to all who have taken the time to read this and drop flowers on Michael's behalf. God bless you!
He was a brilliant man of many endearing facets, which included:
Service to Our Country -
Veteran, U.S. Air Force, 4 years
and,
Veteran, U.S. Army Reserves, 3 years
Matthew 20:26
"It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,"
Mike was a fantastic golfer and superb athlete. He loved being outside on the golf course and had the opportunity to play professionally, but was steadfast in his desire to practice medicine instead. Crowds would gather around to watch the force with which he wielded his distinctive (Arnold Palmer-like) swing whenever he took to the driving range. It was a thing of flawless artistry and superior athleticism, easily recognized as outstanding by all who witnessed it. Mike could consistently hit a straight shot at 450-475 feet and throughout his life, no matter how many years intervened between his playing on the course, he always graciously walked off a humble and subdued winner. However, that statement is not meant to imply that his heart did not sing on each occasion. It was perhaps the greatest joy of his life - held in private - because he believed his competence with a golf club to be the most obvious example of his ability to synchronize his mental focus and self-control, along with his physical power and natural agility. The harmony with which his mind and body functioned amazed even himself at those times. He used to say, he did not play golf with his body, but instead, with his mind and if that be true, I can attest to the fact that in all aspects, the Lord had gifted him with a very strong mind.
1 Corinthians 6:19
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,"
If left to himself, Mike enjoyed dining out at his favorite seafood restaurant, long drives through the country and spending quiet time at home watching his beloved golf amid chips and salsa. He invariably made a point of getting in touch with anyone who had called upon him as a mentor or, teacher during these times, also. However, what Mike was always most eager to do in his time off was whatever those he loved wanted to do. During my time with him, if I went to aerobics, he went to aerobics. If I did calisthenics on the living room floor, he joined me. If I wanted to go for a walk... off we went and if during that walk, I felt like breaking into a run, he would be right there with me. Likewise, he exhibited just as much enthusiasm when running to take over laundry, bathroom and trash duties, just because he knew they were distasteful to me - even after having worked 48 hour shifts while in residency. There was a quaintness to Mike's demeanor at those moments and a sincere wish to cater to those who supported him in his goals. He was a very special man of gentle humility and good character. Inasmuch, Mike never forgot that above all, his greatest asset was his close relationship with God, who he involved in every aspect of his life when kneeling at bedside each night.
Psalms 131:1
"My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty;"
Mike had breast cancer for 9 years preceding his death and bone cancer for the last 4 years of his life though he forestalled being officially diagnosed until April of 2003. Cancer is always a great tragedy, but it seemed even more so in light of the great battles already fought by this man and all the struggles he had valiantly overcome when fulfilling his desire to heal others. Nonetheless, he met this newest challenge with the same fervor with which he had confronted each that came before. He refused to let adversity deter him from living each day to it's fullest potential. And so it was, that even as his disease progressed and his bones became too fragile to risk lifting his own briefcase, the ever unflappable Michael merely opted for a wheeled version. Keeping the pace was all he had ever known and keep going he did, never mentioning his disabilities to others, still thrilled to participate in his opportunity to help others, while never asking for assistance on behalf of himself.
2 Peter 1:5-7
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."
Being a doctor meant everything to Mike and he pursued it with a great passion. He grappled to put himself through medical school at University Mundial Dominicana (UMD), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic alone, with cherished daughter in tow. (He had been a single father to Cindy, who he lovingly called, Tiger, since the time she was 4yo.) In later years, Mike lauded his Caribbean education. He felt it afforded him far greater natural diagnostic abilities than he would have garnered from being educated solely within the United States and the way in which his peers sought him out for counsel seemed to confirm this as fact.
Psalms 103:13
"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him."
Mike had used his GI Bill to become a pharmacist and completed his undergraduate studies at The Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in New York. Thereafter, he worked many 12 hour days, six or, seven days a week, living very meagerly and saving every penny to put toward his goal of going to medical school. He was so pleased when he completed his education without ever having taken out a school loan. Upon returning from the Caribbean, he was honored to be accepted into the Internal Medicine Program at St. Vincent's of Richmond on Staten Island immediately after passing the FMGEMS, which he accomplished on his first attempt. (Many never pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination upon returning home.) After a year at Staten Island, he transferred to St. Vincent's in Manhattan where he completed his training in Anesthesia. He specialized in Cardiac Anesthesiology and was Board certified - a ranking that many anesthesiologists never acquire. Immediately upon gaining Board Certification and only months following fruition of residency, he moved to Brownsville, TX, where he helped start the region's first open heart and heart transplant program in 1993.
Luke 18:27
"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
Mike was affectionately known as "Dr. G" by his colleagues. He enjoyed caring for his patients, took great pride in the fact that he'd never once had a formal complaint lodged against him and served the community of Brownsville with distinction for over 15 years. Mike was, also, well respected for his refusal to participate in questionable surgeries and his willingness to withstand pressure from his peers to do so, when he felt it was not in the patient's best interests to proceed.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2
"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."
As his cancer advanced, a weakened yet, just as tenacious Michael traded off the long hours spent in the operating room for the opportunity to open his own business, Youthful Essence in Katy, TX in 2006. He trained in several cosmetic and aesthetic procedures and became a member of The American Academy of Cosmetic Physicians and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. During this time, he, also, acted as the Medical Director of SKINovative Houston Galleria. His ability to transverse fields allowed him to continue practicing up until a year prior to his death. Throughout all these many years, no one even among those who worked with him daily, suspected he was ill. He overcame the hardships of his disease with the same strength and perseverance he had exercised throughout medical school and residency. He masked his pain and carried with him a smile that brightened the day of all who encountered him.
James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Mike loved nature, especially the Lake Tahoe area where he had often vacationed while growing up in San Jose. He loved the mountains, the water and fresh air. He choose to spend the last months of his life there, just for the purpose of dying surrounded by the beauty he had been so appreciative of in his youth, amid family and in touch with only the closest of friends.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (V2) A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;"
Mike was preceded in death by his loving parents, Jennie Torrez Gomez and Michael S. Gomez, Sr.
John 11:23
"Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." (V24) Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." (V25) Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;"
Rest peacefully, Michael, for you have left those who knew you in the possession of many endless and invaluable gifts. Accordingly, there are many who will remain forever grateful for the opportunity of having witnessed the full breadth of your ability, the intensity of your genius and the joy of your childlike zest. I truly miss knowing you are out there living the life you had trained and slaved to achieve.
Psalm 30:5
"Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
*Thank you to all who have taken the time to read this and drop flowers on Michael's behalf. God bless you!
