As I sit here this morning, I am remembering times past. When we bought this park 16 years ago, little did we know how many extraordinary people we would cross paths with. We have been blessed by so many that I would be writing for quite some time to name them all. Some come for just a season and then move on as their lives take them in a different direction. Some stay longer and when they move on we wonder how we will survive without them.
One such man showed up several years ago. A bigger than life guy, always up for whatever challenge I could think up. Generous to a fault, he quickly became my go to guy whenever I was pondering a new project that HeWho procrastinates would deem undoable. I have often referred to Kevin as my wife, as he would simply get things done.
Kevin died yesterday. The loss of my friend is so bittersweet. Kevin battled cancer for over a year. The same cancer that took my Dad. The diagnosis was devastating and I cried many a tear as I watched my friend undergo treatment and struggle to understand what was happening to his once strong self. Through all the stages of accepting his fate we all just tried to be there.
I can walk outside and turn in a circle and not find one thing untouched by Kevin. When HeWho scared me had his heart attack, Kevin took over. He ran the office and took the ever ringing phone from me and sent me to the hospital to be with my husband. Didn't seem to matter that he was not feeling well, he was concerned about us and doing what he could to make my life easier.
It was unusual for a day to go by that Kevin didn't come into the office or call to see what was going on. These past few weeks had him home bound most of the time. It was always good to see him up and around on those rare occasions. He was miserable when he couldn't be outside. If the bobcat or excavator was here, you could be sure that Kevin would be operating one of them.
I will miss that smiling face. He was in pain all the time and miserable with him confinement. I console myself knowing that he has no more pain and has been made whole in heaven. I am just sad and I know I will be for quite some time.
16 comments:
I am so sorry for your loss. I too am crying for the loss of Keven who you so generously shared with your readers on these pages. He was a great man and great friend.
So sorry to hear that. Tears here, too.
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful friend.
Hugs Kathy... Kevin will be missed, but will always be with is in spirit! RIP...
I know your heart aches. Your readers were attached to Kevin and his devotion to you and He Who. He will be missed. Condolences to his family. Cancer is cruel.I am sorry.
Beautiful words for a beautiful soul! Praying for you, along with his family and other friends. May all the precious memories of the times you and Kevin spent together bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart!
sad news Kathy. I know you will miss him.
I have been reading your blog for years, enjoying the crazy camper stories and your husbands antics that drive you nuts but this is the first time I have left a comment. As soon as I saw the title of your blog my heart sank, I expected it was going to be about Kevin. I know you are grieving so for your friend that was like family to you and I hope you know that he must have such love for you and your family as well to be there for you in hard times and helping with all the projects. I am so sorry for your loss.
Q I have been dreading this day since you told us of his prognosis. He was such a wonderful friend to you. I'm sure that being of such help to you helped him, too. Now he is free from pain. The memories of his caring thoughtfulness will stay. Hugs and shared tears, Kathy.
A hard loss, Kathy. You take care.
Prayers for you, Kevin, and everyone else who loved him.
This is so sad. Life will never be the same will it?
Kevin certainly made an impression with your readers Kathy. Each time you mentioned him we could 'hear' the friendship in your voice.
Sorry for your loss Kathy, I think a tree planted in Kevin's name is in order
Take care
Cathy
What a beautiful tribute to your friend Kevin. It's so hard when we lose our "everyday" people that we see almost daily. They leave such a void on our hearts when they are no longer with us. I am sorry for your loss. Bless his heart, he is no longer in pain.
Kathy, I'm do very sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. You were both blessed in each other. He was blessed to be a helper to you when you needed him the most & you were blessed to have such a trustworthy, loyal & helpful employer & friend. I can only imagine the pain your heart's feeling now. I pray that God wraps his warm comforting tightly around you in the moments ahead & brings you much peace. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers & sending warm hugs your way...🙏💔😪
I have so enjoyed reading your blog over past year+, and Kevin was certainly a delightful part of your tales. So very sorry to learn of his passing, as I know it will be such a loss in many ways for you as well as HeWho. My condolences from central New Mexico, where you can send any rain you get tired of!
That puppy is a treat though!
And, perhaps Cujo could guest-post again soon?
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