Mike

I lost a friend on Tuesday night. He was too young to die. Brain cancer. The final 16 months of his time here were spent in a fierce battle against this awful disease. I lost my father, at just about the same age, 19 years ago to the same illness. In some ways, as hard as that was, this is harder. I think we know throughout our lives that we will one day have to face losing our parents. I don't think I ever fully acknowledged that I would one day have to lose my friends.

Mike was a large man. So were his heart and his spirit. He adored his wife and daughter. As a husband and a father, he was the gold standard. As a friend, he was unfailingly kind and generous. He spoke loudly, laughed easily, and lived largely. His presence was like a bear hug. Just knowing that he was your friend fortified your sense of safety in the world.

His absence, while not unexpected, still feels starkly sudden. I'm grateful to have known him, better for having had his friendship, and stunned by this loss. My dear friend, I am grateful for your rest now. When the sharpness of this death has eased, I know that the kind presence of your spirit will be carried forward in all of our lives.