Neil Simpson. Rest In God's Eternal Peace.

Strangely, I consider myself fortunate to have noticed the Facebook announcement of the passing of my blogger friend and an incredible defender of the Faith, Neil Simpson.  I would have been exceedingly saddened to have found out long after the fact.  It was clear his end was nigh.  What a brave example to the rest of us how he faced the inevitable.  His battle raged for years, sometimes believing he was victorious, only to be once again besieged by the ravages of his increasingly oppressive illness.  

We've never met, but my grief is as no less than having lost someone with whom I was always face to face.  As with the passing of Eric Ashley, I feel this no less than I would a brother or life-long friend and it weighs heavy upon me.  Indeed, I'm crushed by the news as if he was blood.  Both these fine men were close geographically...within six to eight hours drive and I'm defeated knowing I could have never did.  Now I never can.  

Now there are only three left I would love to meet in person and despite the fact they are so much farther away, I want so much to meet and break bread and raise a glass with Craig, Glenn and Stan.  That would please me greatly and I know we would give it up for Neil and Eric and thank our Lord for knowing them, even if only online.  

In the Name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, may He welcome Neil (and Eric, too) into His everlasting presence.  May they both have heard Him say to them, "Well done, good and faithful servant."