David Michael Wilson - Oct. 2, 1958-March 1, 2006

It's been a long day. I just got word this morning that my best friend from childhood passed away after a long battle with medical complications stemming from lymphoma. Mike Wilson was the best man at our wedding. He was the only guy from Danville, KY, that I kept in regular touch with over the years. Mike lived in San Diego, but ten summers ago, the two of us met in Danville for our 20th High School Reunion. That was the last time I saw Mike. We talked on the phone often, but not nearly often enough. Mike was fiercely loyal, a big family man (he loved being a grandpa...that's right he was a grandpa!), and he had a heart of gold. Even while battling his lymphoma over the past five years, he did pro bono legal work for other cancer patients to help them through the legal and insurance mazes they had to travel. Yeah, he was a good guy lawyer.

We often talked about growing up in the small southern town of Danville, and we both agreed that we lived a charmed childhood in that little town. It was always his desire to be buried there. Next Friday, that wish will come true. About four years ago, when Mike was having several medical problems all at one time, he asked me if I would preach his funeral. Of course I told him that I would, but I also told him that I didn't want to do it for at least another 20 years. Well, Mike did his best, but he fell short of that goal. Mike was one of the most courageous men I have ever known. He was the kind of guy everyone would want for a best friend. Although he took second spot on my best friend list after Peggy, he never complained.

A flood of memories has come my way today, most of which will remain mine, several of which will be shared with those who attend the funeral in Danville next week, and all of which give me great comfort in this time of loss. While Mike was not perfect, he did come back to Jesus over the past five years. Nothing else matters. Mike, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race. Now take your crown of righteousness and save a seat for me, will you?