A few years ago, I was in the deep end of my own personal therapy through writing. While I was in the middle of that deep work, I received a call from Mike Squires, a leader in the funeral services industry who happened across my blog.

I have an almost photographic memory of my first phone conversation with this good man. Vividly, I recall where I was sitting, the pencil I nervously twirled in my fingers, wondering why anyone would be interested in talking to me. I was at an especially low point in my professional life - so I was dazed and humbled when he shared some excerpts and photos from Mitchell's Journey and described the impact it had on him as a person and a professional.

He then asked me to speak to funeral directors at their regional conference in North Carolina. Mike, who I've come to know over the years and consider a personal friend wanted people in his industry to see life through the eyes of the bereaved. He had a sincere desire to deepen his industry's empathy for those who cope will inevitable loss.

As memory serves, that was the first time I was asked to fill a 2 hour keynote/speaker slot. In many ways, it felt like we entered a time machine and stepped behind the sacred curtains of suffering. Two hours felt like 20 minutes for everyone in the room.

A few weeks ago, Mike asked me to write an article for his magazine, Southern Calls; a name with symbolic reference to his region and industry. His magazines are truly visual works of art and a labor of love - helping the professionals in his industry walk with the bereaved in a spirit of reverence, service, and deep compassion for a life lived and lost.

After I wrote the article, which was almost "a letter to a funeral director", I got a text from Mike; "I received [your] article and photos. Still trying to take it all in. Would love to chat when you have a few."

Worried I might have missed the mark, I called him at my soonest opportunity - prepared to throw everything out and start over. Mike said the article was exactly what he was hoping for. Later in the conversation, he became tearful as he talked about Mitch and his compassion for those who face the aftermath of a death. I was reminded once more, of the deep and sincere goodness of this man.

At the moment, it looks like my article (with a few photos) covers 20 pages in his magazine.

I share all of this not to curry attention - but to thank Mike for the labor of love he performs in the service of those who struggle to cope with death and dying. Like my friend Mike, I hope to shine a little light for others who walk an otherwise darkened path.