RIP Mick

I lost my cousin Mickey this weekend. We were already in Memphis heading to one of the events when I got the call. Even though I knew it was just a matter of time, I was saddened beyond words at the finality of the call.

I have an image of Mick when he was about six years old and he was standing only a few feet from where he was laid to rest today.

His father had died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of forty and we were standing by his graveside. There was a look of sadness on his face that seared an image onto my brain that will be with me always.

I'm not sure if it was because he lost of his father so young or some other factor, but Mick has struggled most of his life. A few years ago he made his peace with God and it was as if a great load were lifted from his shoulders.

His brother Bruce preached at Mickey's funeral and I have no idea how he did it. He said Mick was ready to go. It seems he spent much of his final time here in prayer for his loved ones.

I wish I had found a way to spend more time with Mick, but I cherish the time we did spend together throughout our lives.