I went to my first Episcopal Diocese of WV annual convention last weekend. That might not sound like fun to you. You would be wrong.

I’ve been thinking since the concluding prayer what it would have been like if Mike and I had gone together.

Mike’s faith and church – Ascension Episcopal in Hinton – were the most important things in his life. My spiritual foundation was in the 12 steps, so I didn’t attend services with him. 

I took his seat when chemo rendered him immunocompromised. I’m not sorry I did. I only wish I’d done it sooner.

And with him.

Mike’s faith was never in question, although his presence in church was hit or miss for much of his adult life. In March, 2011, he found a lump in his throat. His ENT specialist suggested he put his affairs in order.

He stopped smoking, updated his will, arranged for a biopsy. And he started attending Ascension Episcopal Church regularly.

The tumor was benign, and was successfully removed. A miracle, he said. He didn’t start smoking again, and he didn’t stop showing up at Ascension, until chemotherapy treatment compromised his immunity. 

I took his place, and was confirmed a year ago.