A Tribute

We lost a great man this week, my second cousin Mike Weller. And although the second cousin business might sound too distant for it to impact me, in this situation, that would be incorrect.

Growing up we spent a wonderful holiday evening every year with great Aunt Miriam and Uncle Dale and their kids, Cindy and Mike, who were my dad's age. We had the best farm food from scratch, the best rolls and jam (I ate SO much jam at Aunt Miriam's), and it was always warm and cozy and full of laughter.

Contrary to my typical aversion to men, I really attached to Mike at a young age. He was so gentle and funny. Everyone in that house told jokes and laughed constantly. The impression of joviality there will never leave me. I often tell people that my dad is the nicest, most generous man in the world. And if anyone could give him a run for his money on that title, I'm quite sure it was Mike. It's heart breaking to have lost him so early. Such a man is hard to come by.

When I think of Mike, I have this one specific memory from my childhood. It was one of those Christmas/Thanksgivings that we spent at his mother's, and I was probably 5 or 6 years old. I remember sitting on his lap and not wanting to get up. I was so comfortable; I felt so secure. It seemed to me that someone took a picture of us that particular night, and sure enough, a few days ago scrounging through many photo albums, I found it.

I'm holding my brand new gorilla, named Gretchen, and you can see how happy I am. You can also see, in the background, how much Emily loved being in pictures. It might have had something to do with her perm. I'm not positive. But this is Mike. And we will miss him so dearly. Beloved by his family, his friends, his church, his entire community. Known for his laugh, his music (he played the trombone for 50 years and was involved in many community bands), his Harley, and his love, he is quite unforgettable.

My hope, though, comes from the fact that I know he is finally home. He is with those who've gone before; he is with Jesus. And he is whole and will be awaiting our homecomings, as well. That is my comfort.