<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> I first met Michael's mother at my home church. Later, I met Michael and my relationship with him was primarily as an acquaintance.

When Michael would see me at church on Sundays, or when he would see me around town, he would always say hello. I always made it a point to do the same when I would see him.

Only knowing Michael for as well as I did, I knew that he was being used to have a positive impact on all of those around him. It was not until I was at his funeral that I realized just how far his reach was.

Even in our small town, there were nearly FIVE HUNDRED people in attendance at his funeral. At this point, it was blatantly obvious that Michael was going to be missed by many more than just his own family.