A.P.R.I.L

Sorry this is a day late.

Just being real.... three months.  I never realized what it would be like to miss being with Kent until he has been gone for three months.  The reality of being alone for some spouses is ok.  For me, I just loved being with Kent and it's a struggle.  He kept me calm when someone rattled me with a different thought other than what I was thinking, he was my comforted when I was afraid, he was the person I looked to when I was so frightened to do things like driving, or something that required 2 hands when I have one that paralizes me (literally).  

Learning how to navigate without him is so hard. The three of us did everything together. Now we try in everything we do to celebrate and honor him. Spreaking of celebrate and honor ... this past month we celebrated him in style! It was the begining of the first without him.  It started the week of April 20th. The 23rd of April, we honored Kent as we went to a hospice rememberance dinner. I was given a white rose as his name was read. Both of our mom's and Lydia and Eli joined myself for this event hospice put on.  

The next special way we celebrated Kent was going duck pin bowling at Woodrow's. We then went to Ruth's Chris. We started duckpin bowling by "default" of Kent a couple years back not being able to do regular bowling due to a surgery he had just had. It quickly became something he really enjoyed very much.  So, it was fitting that we do that before a wonderful meal at Ruth's Chris- one of Kent's very favorite once in a lifetime restraunts. It seemed fitting as he would have turned 50 years old and we wanted to remember what a special guy he was!

The next and final celebration of the beginning of the first was to include every family member of our immediate extended family to a dinner at Fire Rock Grille. There were 19 of us in all and that didn't even include everyone as several members were out of state.  Fire Rock was a place we as a small family celebrated things like Lydia going to Niger, birthdays, or a few other spercial memory meals. I hope everyone enjoyed a special meal. 

As I was thinking about the month of April and I was laying awake not able to sleep I thought about this...   

           A.  A  (brief)

           P.  Personal

           R. Reflection 

           I.  Into  (Kent's)

           L.  Life

Kent was born in the year 1975 in April.  Everyone I talked to who knew Kent said he was a busy boy growig up and he loved life. He brought smiles and laughter to everyone. He loved being with his siblings. Being the youngest he always looked up to his big brother and his sister.  He loved learning things from his dad- watching his dad ever so carefully to learn how to do things like oil or other things in the car, woodworking, putting in a pool, electical work (as his Dad was a Master electician.)  Kent loved things like biking and skiing with his Dad and brother. Later in life he did thing for his mom in the absence of his dad.  

Kent had to work hard at school. Nothing came easy. Kent wasn't one to have an over abundance of  friends, but the friends he had he invested into every relationship with his whole heart.  

Kent loved helping anyone that needed it. Two people that would often be the recipient of that help would be both moms. The last perso
n who would be the person who recieved help would be me. Every time we all do something that Kent would have helped us with we get a tear in our eye now.  

So many memories, we cling to each one. Each family member, friend or loved one in our  "community circle'  shares their memory and it surely gives me joy to know Kent has mad an impact. Kent meant so much to so many. I have recieved texts and calls as people share just what he was to them and it makes me so proud to hear each story. 

As I close my reflection there is one thing I want to share: One of the last things he said to me before cancer took his ability to respond was this; "keep sharing Jesus with others!" Kent loved Jesus, loved going to church, he loved attending Christian concerts and loved finding ways to help those around him know who Jesus was. So to honor him can I ask you all to personally find ways to "share Jesus with others"? 

I want to let everyone know that I am continually thankful to every person who has helped me to do many things that I needed help with without Kent by my side. I could not do it without you! I will pray daily for each one of  you! 

Until we write again! 

Leah and Lydia too!