Dear Mike,

As an LSU student, I have been very fortunate to experience some of the greatest things that college has to offer, however, one of the best things about LSU are the football games. Not only do we have a kickass team, but we have the BEST mascot, and that’s YOU, Mike. You put other mascots to shame.

When I first heard that you were diagnosed with cancer a few months, my heart broke into a million pieces because you are so special to me as well as LSU. You are the epitome of tiger spirit and you have a heart of gold. When I received the tragic news, on my Facebook, that your cancer spread, I was in tears because I, as well as LSU, expected so much more for you, but death is just death. No one understands it. I’m sorry that you won’t be able to witness LSU kick Alabama’s butt in this season’s game (let’s hope that happens). I’m sorry you won’t be able to bask in the beautiful sunshine anymore or play in your insanely awesome pool.

I am going to miss seeing your beautiful tiger stripes as I pass by your habitat on game days. I am going to miss seeing you pace around your habitat as fans would come and admire you from afar. This football seasons will be very difficult without you because you bring so much energy, and it is a joy to watch you take the field. I am going to miss seeing you slay in every picture you take as I scroll down my newsfeed. I am going to miss all those early morning visits to your habitat before class to just say “hey” to you and admire you. I am thankful for all the times that god has given me to see you. Whenever I play the song, “Eye of the Tiger”, I will think of you and all of the joy that you have given to LSU over the course of your time here.

In the midst of all this sadness, I will remember the good times. I will remember the cheering of the crowds as you made your way to Tiger Stadium. I will remember the immense joy that would feel my heart when I witnessed children in awe of your beauty.

Although you will soon be gone, your legacy will forever live on. Even though you will not get to live as long as expected, I pray that you would shake heaven with the sound of your mighty roar. You are a wonderful gift from god, and now he is calling you back to him to shake up the kingdom. I pray that you would watch over LSU from the big, beautiful sky, and we would continue to make you proud. You will forever remain in my heart as well as the hearts of your LSU tigers. We will forever bleed purple and gold for you buddy. No tiger can replace you.

Sincerely,

An LSU Tiger