By Elizabeth Harley
Michael was a free-spirited and, above all, deeply kind young man. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. He embraced life with a sense of adventure and a genuine love for all living creatures, big and small. He was happiest when exploring the outdoors, finding peace and joy in nature.
Honoring Michael through this journey from Utah to Seattle, where he could return to the earth, felt profoundly meaningful. He had dreamed of visiting Seattle and had always been drawn to adventure with a curiosity that extended to the far reaches of the East Coast as well. We believe he would have wanted to give back to the world in a way that allows life to grow and flourish, rather than follow more traditional paths.
We held a small tree-planting ceremony with Michael’s soil and chose to plant an Eastern Redbud for its heart shaped leaves and beautiful, vibrant purple flowers that bloom in the spring. Purple was one of Michael’s favorite colors, and he was always drawn to unique and colorful things, so it felt like the perfect choice to honor him. My baby Tatum was part of the ceremony, which felt especially meaningful because Michael only knew her while I was pregnant.
Michael’s life was far too short, and he is deeply missed every day. We’ve checked on the tree weekly and have loved receiving photos from friends who pass by and see its growth. Seeing the flowers bloom and honeybees gathering around them felt especially meaningful—like he’s living on and continuing to give back to the earth.
A letter from Elizabeth
Read during Michael’s tree-planting ceremony
Dear Michael,
Wherever you are, we hope your spirit is free. We imagine you laughing, singing your favorite songs, strumming your guitar, riding your skateboard, eating good food, watching something that makes you smile, finally getting to explore all the places you always wanted to go, and hopefully even discovering new things you didn’t know you could do.
When we picture you there, we feel how much we miss you here. Our sadness feels so big because your time with us was just too short. Twenty-six years was simply not enough.
We were watching you grow into the amazing man we always knew you would be. You were creating a life full of adventure, truly living it to the fullest. We weren’t ready to stop watching your story unfold.
Nothing can replace that. But this is something we can do.
We plant this tree for you, with you, and imagine you watching it through each season.
As it grows, in the spring, you’ll see it begin again, with new leaves and beautiful purple flowers.
In the summer, it’ll be full and steady, offering shade and comfort.
In the fall, the leaves will fall back to the ground, and we’ll be reminded we’re still connected to you, just in a different way.
And in the winter, even when it looks bare, it’ll still be there, strong and rooted, still holding you with us.
We’ll think of you every time we see it. And we’ll always remember—you came into this world as a bright, shining light, and you left just the same.
Wherever you are, we hope you’re at peace.
We love you. We miss you. We will never forget you.
***
Michael James Desmond-Escorcia
April 21, 1999–October 11, 2025
Read Michael’s obituary
Recompose is grateful to our affiliate, Starks Funeral Parlor, for helping serve clients like Michael