This is my friend Mike (pictured above). If you don’t know him, you should. Here’s why:

Mike is one of the most genuinely optimistic, kind, funny people I have ever had the pleasure of encountering.

I met Mike a few years ago, when he and his wife Sherri were kicking around the idea of buying a home here in Utah. They wanted to be closer to Mike’s sisters, Toni and Tracy (both of whom I adore). Being Mike and Sherri’s realtor was such a gift.

Together, we found “the perfect home” and were ready to submit an offer when they had second thoughts. You see, Mike is a cancer survivor, and at that time, the cancer had not quite decided to leave him alone yet.

So, they returned to their home in Washington state and put the idea of moving to rest.

Then, earlier this year, Mike’s sisters reached out to me again to see if I was up for another round of house hunting with Mike and Sherri. We ended up finding them a home in the same neighborhood as before, and although the prices had gone up, the location was still perfect. (They’re just a few steps from the Virgin River. It’s glorious.)

In the few months that Mike and Sherri have been here, they have fully immersed themselves in the community. They can regularly be found alongside Toni and Tracy, serving hot meals and genuine friendship to those who are walking through difficult times. And if there’s something fun going on, they’re likely front and center!

The county fair, music in the park, car shows, farmers markets… You name it, Mike and Sherri are enjoying it. Not to mention the hiking, fishing, sunrises, and sunsets that make Southern Utah so special!

If you are ever lucky enough to meet Mike, know that the radiation has taken his vocal folds. He carries a speaker with him that translates text from his phone into audio.

Also know that you are with someone who can teach you how to truly find joy in the everyday miracles of life.

Though Mike is happily retired, he is an exceptionally skilled man. He can build or fix just about anything. For instance, I recently had a listing with a drawer in the kitchen that refused to work properly. On the eve of closing, the drawer still wasn’t cooperating, so I called Mike. He quickly came to my rescue, and to our mutual dismay, left that evening not having solved the puzzle.

Not long after I returned home, Mike texted and asked to meet me at the house the next morning. The solution came to him, the drawer was fixed, and all was well.

So, if you’re looking for a reliable handyman who also happens to be an exceptional human being, send Mike a text (and text only please!). His number is (425) 344-4709. Trust me — you’ll be glad you reached out!