An unknown phone number . . .  yet a familiar area code . . . and a voice from my past.

“Lori, this is Katie Miller,” the caller said. She didn’t even have to tell me who she was. Even though it has been years since we’ve spoken, I recognized that sweet voice of my high school yearbook advisor, English teacher, friend, and mentor.

As wonderful as it was to speak with someone who has had so much influence for good on my life, she went on to share the sad news about the passing of one of my dear friends, Mikel Husband. As I’ve spent the last couple of days learning about Mikel’s post-high school achievements and have read comments posted across the world wide web by those that knew him, I am touched by the legacy that he has left.

Isn’t it strange how princes and kings,
and clowns that caper in sawdust rings,
and common people, like you and me,
are builders for eternity?

Each is given a list of rules;
a shapeless mass; a bag of tools.
And each must fashion, ere life is flown,
A stumbling block, or a Stepping-Stone.

~R. Lee Sharpe

Mikel Husband is a stepping stone.

Katie Miller is a stepping stone.

I hope that someday someone somewhere will be able to say the same of me.