I wish I could add music to this post. As I'm sitting here putting this together, I am listening to beautiful instrumental hymns and it's very soothing. At most memorial or celebration of life services there are photos or powerpoint slide shows to remember our loved ones. Here's a small version of that which has been very therapeutic to me in remembering my man in better days. This top photo is one of my favorites which was taken a little over a year before his accident.
Michael Collins Rice went to be with his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 8:05 p.m.
The "God bless you!" man,
Or the "Be strong in the Lord" man,
The birkenstocks and socks man,
Or him who runs in short shorts,
Or perhaps as the man you called upon to silence a crowd.
random-fact-knowing, always stretching, yogurt-eating, ocean-loving, risk-taking,
Old man who just beat you in a 5k.
To his family he was: Son, Brother, Husband, Papa, and Grandpa
The son who never quit,
The brother who stood firm for his family,
The ever faithful husband,
The father who yelled louder than any other at sporting events,
The man of God who led our family into the presence of the Lord.
Mike is survived by his wife of 36 years, Jennifer Jones Rice; two sons Caleb (Anastasia) and Keegan (Amy); six grandchildren; his mother, Margaret Rice; brother Mark (Jenney); and sister Lynn Cipriano (Rogelio); plus many more extended family members and friends on both sides who have supported us throughout this journey. Mike is preceded in death by his father, Jim.
This is but a glimpse into the man we knew and loved prior to his accident over eight years ago. Our family rejoices that Mike’s long journey with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) has come to an end. We want to give a special thanks to all those who so lovingly cared for Mike in the various hospitals and facilities throughout the years. His race is complete.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory may be sent to Emmaus Bethania High School, P.O. Box 4000, Koror, Palau 96940.
Arrangements are by the Joseph McMillian Funeral Home of Blackstone, VA. www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com
You may view the official Obituary and leave comments and memories of Mike at: https://www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com/obituary/michael-rice
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| Fishing trip in Palau, one of Mike's favorite places in the entire world. An island surrounded by water where there is perpetual summer and he taught and worked with young men. |
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| Swimming with Caleb at the beautiful rock islands of Palau. |
in Koror, Palau where we both went as single missionaries.
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| After getting married in the U.S. we returned to Palau and our little family grew to include our 2 boys, Caleb & Keegan |
Well done Jennifer. My heart is heavy for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Daphne. Keegan wrote the fun part of the obituary with little contributions from me. I just loved it because it captured who Mike was before TBI and reminded me and others. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers!
DeleteDear Jennifer, my heart is full and sad. Full for the beauty of all you and Mike had together before and through Mike’s trauma. Your trip through life with Mike has been one steady uphill climb - with Hines Feet- up the Mountain of Spices, to your Sovereign God: Your King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
ReplyDeleteI had become more acquainted with you mom just as you were making your decision to go over seas! We all prayed for you at a the ladies Bible Study your mom was attending at the little church at Nottoway . I never got to know you but felt a part of your being sent off! Sounds crazy i know but it touched my heart! Your mom would share bits and pieces during our study. But then Pat Wray would share a bit now and then about you. I only say this because i truly prayed off and on for you but knew no details of your life until Pat shared about you, Mike and his trauma years later.
Your tribute to Mike is a wonderful recap of the man he was and what he was like. Thank you for helping me know him better.
Even in his and your heartache of his trauma God used him to lead you to a greater depth of the heart and mind of God: a faith unshakable; a trust in a God who didn’t make all things look good, as the world would see good; and the Healer, who walked you through great heartache and pain so you could learn how to lean into and pray into His arms of grace, love and mercy.
I know grieving is part of the healing process and i know you have been learning a long time in this healing.
May the God of all comfort fill you with strength as you take this next step of healing and great leaps of faith as Jesus leads you further into His arms of love and closer to His Holy of Holies! Revelation’s tells us our God’s voice is like the sound of many waters. I know Mike must be loving the sound of His voice. May you know the feel of the Master’s touch. Jesus our living hope, Kirk and Mary Lou Kirkendall. Isaiah 12:2-3
Thank you, Mary Lou. I love the reminder of God's voice "like the sound of many waters." Yes, Mike is loving that! How great to know you were praying for us before we even knew each other! Then to be in a Bible study with you years later. How cool is that! God's amazing ways. Love you!
DeleteWhat sadness, yet rejoicing. Mike stood firm. His life speaks volumes. I love all these pictures, Jennifer! Praising God with you. Christ's light so apparent through your Mike's life. May He be richly rewarded in Heaven. To God be the glory!
ReplyDeleteYes, Maribeth. Many emotions, yet mostly rejoicing that his journey is complete and he is now free, whole and with his Savior.
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