Mike Dull

Mike Dull was a pretty cool guy I met in 9th grade. I was a new kid at a Christian school and, even though he was more or less in the popular group, he took the time to become my friend.

I wasn't really involved in any activities at my church, The Chapel in Akron, but Mike went there too and he invited me to go with him to Breakaway, the Wednesday night Chapel event. I attended (it was held at Gary Underwood's house), knowing only Mike, and was introduced to some of the coolest cats I've ever had the pleasure to know. I quickly became heavily involved at church, making friends and maturing a faith that would last a lifetime.

It's strange to think back on the little catalysts in your life that have had a major hand in determining the person you are, the crowd you fell in with, the decisions you'll make into adulthood. I can honestly say that one of those catalysts was my buddy Mike.

And this morning I received an email from an old high school friend, telling me that Mike was just killed in a car accident.

It's been a long time since I've talked to or, honestly, even thought about him, but this news has come especially hard. I wish I'd known I'd never get to see him again the last time we talked.

Mike Dull was a really great friend and I'll miss him.