In 1997, the world was rocked with the news of Rich Mullins' passing. Christians everywhere paused their lives to mourn the loss. Radio stations paid tributes. Newspapers dedicated articles. Friends, family members, fans and fellow musicians came together to remember this man that had impacted their lives. I was with my family when I heard. I was standing in our driveway. It seemed strange, because just a few hours prior, I saw Rich Mullins alive, leaving our house. My last conversation with him took place the night before in our living room. I still hadn't yet wrapped my mind around the fact that this legend had somehow come to stay at our house. Now... he was gone? The world listened in sad silence, trying to find out what they could. We listened too, and knew there were details to the story the world wouldn't hear. Years have gone by, and I've always felt compelled to write down the story of Rich, staying in our home for the last three weeks of his life as a guest. I know how good things can be forgotten, and I haven't wanted to forget how this has impacted me. Not long ago I picked up a pen. I knew that I probably never would if I didn't simply make a move. I began to write down what I remembered. Now, I want to share with you what this story has meant to me. Welcome to Meeting Rich. A liturgy. A legacy. A man with a guitar in my living room. "It is a beautiful description of the great and complex man Rich was". - Michael Aukofer
About the Author: Hello everyone. In 2006, I finished my BA in Management/Leadership. I had gotten through school with the help of a scholarship from Houghton Mifflin after winning first place in a national writing contest. Upon entering, winning was not even a thought. So, you can imagine how encouraged I was when I was called and informed that I'd won first place nation-wide. I went on from college and got my first job in the professional world. I was a newbie and embarrassed at how little I knew. I took an insane amount of notes in order to learn all aspects of the job. One day, my boss found my notes and was impressed, telling me they'd serve as a great training manual for future employees within the multi-million dollar company. Once again, I saw how writing was something I did well. And, that it was something that others saw value in. Most of what I've written, has come about this way. I've written for myself, rarely ever trying to promote. In fact, it's usually been the other way around - others were trying to convince me that my writing was good, rather than me them. So, the premise behind most of my work, is this: I do not have a PhD. I just know how to communicate on paper. And, I can do it in simple enough speech to be beneficial to me. And if it can help me, it can probably help anybody. Among the topics I love to write about, are: - How-to material (and self-help). - The subject of Leadership. - Marriage/Relationships books. - Christianity. - Experiences that others can relate with. - Various stories (fiction and non-fiction. Among these, I've written about famous musical legend Rich Mullins, who by pure miracle, stayed at our house during the last three weeks of his life). What I enjoy most about writing, is sharing what I've made. Few things are more fulfilling for me as an author. Thank you for taking the time to read my bio, and I hope I get the chance to meet you. Sincerely, Caleb J Kruse