My dear friend and co-worker, Mike Reed, passed away on Friday after a long battle with cancer. I miss him greatly!I have never met a more likeable person in my whole life – we hit it off as soon as we met and formed not only a great working relationship but a wonderful friendship as well. Mike was always positive and encouraging - even as he suffered through all the bad effects of radiation and chemo he kept a positive outlook. He worked hard and loved life. He was always thoughtful of others. Mike has a huge circle of friends and he touched so many people in so many ways - I don’t think it can be measured. Mike’s work ethic was impeccable and he was respected by those he worked with. Most of all Mike loved his family – his wife and six year old son. They were the light of his life.
Last year I dedicated my Christmas card to him. Even though this is a very sad time for all of us – I have to celebrate knowing him and who he was. He has made me a better person in just having a friend like him. I take comfort knowing his pain is over now and even more so in the fact that I will see him in Heaven one day. Mike put his faith in the Lord throughout his life and especially at the end – he told me the last time I talked to him that it "was all in the Lord’s hands now. "
After hearing the news the other day, I was crying, then out of nowhere I heard Mike’s voice as clear as if he was standing next to me – he said “Karen, it’s wonderful!” then there was a complete peace that came over me and I had to smile.
I have to thank God for sending Mike to me as a friend. I thank God too that there is Everlasting Life through our Lord Jesus Christ! I wouldn’t want to think about the alternative!
Mike - I will miss you but you will be in my heart always. God Bless You.
John 6:47
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.
Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
15 comments:
Such meaningful words you wrote about your dear friend. I've lost friends to cancer also, it always hurts. Very nice pencil drawing, they look so happy!
Kendra thanks so much for your comment. That was a happy time for Mike. It was a priviledge to draw that portrait. I'm sorry to hear you have lost friends to cancer too.
Karen, my name is Kimberly. Mike is my oldest brother. The drawing you did is beatiful.
Kimberly, Bless your heart. I can't sing the praises of Mike enough. I know how much I am feeling his passing and can imagine how you are feeling as his sister. (I lost my older brother when I was 10)
I'm glad you liked the drawing - I enjoyed drawing it so much and now I realize that creative experience will be with me forever - that is pretty special to me ;-) Thank you for commenting - it means so much to me. God Bless you and comfort you.
What a lovely tribute for your dear friend. You truly were blessed to have been part of his life and he in yours. Hugs...
What a beautiful drawing! It's filled with love and happiness. It's a great gift to have a friend like Mike. I believe he visited you to give you that message.
Hi Sheila - thanks so much! Yes I was blessed to have been a part of his life ;-)
Akiko - thank you. Mike was a gift from God to so many people - reading the testimonies of so many people on his Facebook page - it is the same basic story - what a great guy he was.
That was a great tribute to your friend. And the drawing was simply wonderful. In spite of loss and tragedy our Lord is still supreme and comforting.
I was checking on your Golden Mantled Geound Squirrel. Very nice rendering. One of my favorite little critters. Next time you go to Yellowstone though you will have to stop in at SilverSage Gallery and say Hi.
I'm sorry for your loss, Karen... The celebration of a friend's life is a beautiful thing... especially since I'm sure you also did it while he was living!!
Gary - thanks. I'm glad you dropped by and appreciate your comment - I agree with you 100%!
I don't know when I'll get back up to Yellowstone - I wishing I was there when all this 100+ heat hit. I'd love to spend a bit more time in the park - it is so beautiful. If I do ever make it back up there again I'll be sure to drop by.
Marian thank you so much. Mike was truly a special man - a joy to be around! Sunday is his memorial I really think after visiting with his wife yesterday that it will be an uplifting event - a true tribute to his character.
Beautiful drawing...beautiful thoughts...meaningful scriptures.
Mike is in the Lord's hands now. What a glorious place to be!
Oh Karen, Heartbreaking to read about your friend, he was so young. Life doesn't make sense sometimes and our faith in God is what we have to hang on to. I am sure you were a blessing to him. Hugs
Karen, you were so fortunate to have had such a great friend. Your tribute drawing is remarkable, as well as your homage to this special person in your life.
Thank you Dean - your comments are appreciated so much. It is comforting to know Mike is with the Lord now. BTW - I always loved reading the scriptures on your blog and took your lead on that.
Thanks Barb. Life just doesn't make sense does it especially when someone like him leaves us. But there aren't any guarantees with life - just ever lasting life - thank the Lord for that!
Vern than you! I was very fortunate to have such a great friend as Mike - I will always remember him. I'm glad you like the drawing. I made up about 200 ACEO prints of it to the memorial for everyone - they turned out nice and people seemed to really appreciate it.
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