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.