Steve Meyer Leading an Oak Park GOP Event
3 years ago today, I lost one of my best friends. His name was Steve Meyer and he was the Republican Committeeman for Oak Park Township. I was joking with Steve’s father this morning at church, that Steve probably has all the Republican’s in heaven fully engaged in the support of the McCain-Palin ticket!
Steve’s favorite political figure was Ronald Reagan. There are enough similarities between Ronald and John that it is not hard to claim Steve’s support of John McCain and Sarah Palin.
I will always remember Steve as a tireless worker in the political process. Steve loved the United States of America and the freedoms that we enjoy. He felt that we should all do our part and be involved in the process in order to preserve and protect those freedoms. Steve had lots of friends – both Republican and Democrat, Christian and non-Christian, yet Steve got along with everyone… even when there were political disagreements.
Steve was a big believer in yard signs! By this stage of a political campaign, there would be hundreds of homes and businesses in Oak Park showing support of the McCain-Palin ticket with blue yard and window signs. Some businesses would even have the big 4×8 signs! The fact there are very few signs in Oak Park lets me know Steve is no longer here. Perhaps he is carrying on the tradition in heaven! 
It’s tough losing a friend. It’s even harder for his parents, sister, wife and children. Our lives go on and we do the best we can, and remember our friend, husband, father, son, brother. We remember the good times, the positive memories, the things about Steve that inspired us, and we contemplate the weaknesses, failures and shortcomings, knowing that Steve was human like the rest of us.
Steve was not terribly complicated. What you saw was what you got – genuine and unpretentious. He let you know where he stood and where you stood. If you were straight with him, he would respect you and get along. If you happened to be one of the luckier ones who happened to strike him in a positive way, he would become your deep and lasting friend.
Steve had a battle with a form of cancer that could have killed him… it was an incurable type of lymphoma… yet he beat that disease for awhile and was cancer free when he died. He struggled more with deeper fears and issues of the heart and mind. Eventually, these issues got the best of him. Even though his choice of death was wrong, tragic and very painful to many people, I am confident that Steve is with the One he had committed his life to some years before.
Steve knew he had “issues.” He battled them and faced into them at different times, and he had some great times of success. Who can say what brought him to his end? None of us knew his mind at that instant, and we can only guess. He was in pain and he was mixed up, and he was confused. I’ve been there as well. There’s no way to “figure it all out.”
What I take away and learn from Steve and his life are valuable lessons to me: Be yourself and try to be better. Work and fight hard for the things you believe in. Treat others you disagree with politically with respect. Thank God for your freedom. Respect and honor those who have paid the price for that freedom. Love God. Love people. Serve and help others less fortunate. Do a good job. And, if I ever get cancer, fight hard and don’t give up!
Steve, you were a good man, and a good friend. Rest in the arms of your Savior. I miss you, but it’s not over. I’ll see you again!
