The Reynolds family and Mike's fight

IN THE EARLY 2000s, I started making home visits to give guitar lessons. One of my first students was Mike Reynolds, the young son of Tom and Kelly Reynolds. I'd go to their house for the lessons and inevitably they'd end up feeding me or asking me to hang out.

Mike and his sister were very good students and the Reynolds were gracious hosts. I spent a few Easters and holidays with them, and when they moved to Chicago maybe 12 years ago, I went up there for a weekend and had a blast.

Mike (far left) and his family.

A few years ago, I was giving a guitar lesson in the back of Second String Music when a strapping young man came to the door and said, "Hey Rodney, I'm in town for just a day or so but I wanted to make sure to stop by and say hello." I didn't have much time to chit-chat, and to be honest, it took a while to realize it was Mike. He'd obviously grown and filled out and he looked a lot different from the little guy I knew.

Early this morning, Mike Reynolds passed away. He was in an ATV accident about a month ago, and he gamely hung on until today. His organs were harvested and eight people will be recipients. That's the Reynolds family I know - giving and full of love and concern for others.

Can you imagine what they are going through right now? They started a Facebook page called Pray For Mike and there's been a tremendous outpouring of support. The Reynolds still had many friends in Quincy and it's  heartbreaking to see them go through this, and reassuring to see they are still a family of faith and hope.

Peace, Reynolds family.