Today, my mom and Kim's brother, Kenny, flew in from Bethlehem, PA. The bambini's were delighted to see them and had fun playing with Uncle Kenny. The kids all went to school today, Tonio had pajama day and told me he had to go back, because everyone wanted him there. Mrs. Schrantz had his classmates draw him pictures and write to him when Kimmy passed away and they all said how much they missed him. It really touched little Antonio to be so loved by his friends...Autumn was ready to go back, too. Again, the love and caring these two receive at Cottonwood is extraordinary - everyone welcomed them back and Ms. Bryson, the principal, walked to class with us. Mrs. Schrantz took time to let me know during the day that Antonio was doing great and Ms. Bryson called to let me know she had checked in on Autumn, who was making gingerbread houses and Tonio, who was watching Polar Express and they were having fun. It was very comforting to get that news. Cody had a great day, receiving 4 awards at his end of quarter awards ceremony - one for high honor roll, one for perfect attendance, one for P.R.I.D.E., a citizenship type of program and one for Art. I was so proud and knew that Kimmy was smiling down from above on our boy.
My neighbor, Brian, is buys preparing a slide show for Saturday...Amy and I helped sift through boxes of pictures and memories, uncovering relects from our past...a receipt from a hotel at Beach Haven, New Jersey from August 1986 - we loved that beach, which is on Long Beach Island. L.B.I. has beautiful beaches - it is a barrier island, 6 miles off of the mainland - 18 miles long and 3 miles wide at it's widest spot. We would go there several times every summer beginning in 1984 spending all day on the beach, riding waves, swimming out to the sand bar at low tide and dodging the crabs that lived there. In the evening, we'd sometimes go crabbing in the bay or go out to dinner and then go see a band or two.
There were also movie ticket stubs, a collage of photos Kim had put together of us when we graduated from Liberty High School in 1983, college photos, photos from our vacations to Arizona in 1987 and 1989 - back before Old Tucson burned down - found some great ones of Kim, who was asked to participate in a stunt show, knocking out a few hired guns, and many, many incredible memories we were blessed to share together.
I spent some time with Father Harry, at St. Pius, who will preside over the celebration of Kimmy's life, recounting many stories of Kim's kindness and how much she reminded me of a Mother Teresa type of person, in that she was always helping others, never putting herself first and finding the good in every person she met or situation she was in. Above all, never complaining, but making the best of the situation and learning from it to do better in the future. While I was there, the surgeon who performed her gall bladder surgery, Dr. Atkinson (of Bristol, PA, where my Dad grew up!), called to say he had just heard about Kim and how touched he was by Kim and her positive attitude and what an incredible person she was - he wanted me to know he was on call this weekend, and as long as it was quiet, he would be there Saturday - another person Kim touched! I have received several calls, emails, etc with people telling me that this experience and Kim have made them want to be better people, and telling me that this has reopened there eyes, giving them new appreciation of what they have - amen! Kimmy's bright rays of sunshine touch more people!! She had that way, without being pushy or egotistical, but just living her life the way she thought she should, and loving and caring for the people she came in contact with, just as Jesus wants us to...
Anyway, I miss her so much and keep seeing signs of her - in the beauty of the mountains, that stray ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, the soft sound of the falling rain today - and in the loving, caring support of all of you...
Love,
Dave
Dave,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to keep us all updated on how your and the kids are doing. I am so glad to hear that your family from PA is with all of you now to comfort you. It is also a relief to hear that the “bambinis “went back to school and are doing well; hopefully it will be a good diversion for them and it sounds like they have a very loving and caring support system at school. That was such a kind thing for Mrs. Schrantz to do for Antonio. It is comforting to hear that you received good reports back from the school on their well-being. Congratulations to Cody on his many accomplishments!
I know it must be difficult for you to pour through all those pictures flooding you with memories. I cannot imagine what you must be feeling, but I will keep lifting you up in prayer for God’s strength, comfort and guidance.
It was very touching to hear that Dr. Atkinson will be attending. It is amazing how Kim let her light shine and touched so many lives for God’s glory.
May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Love,
Eva
Dave~ What a huge blessing to know that the kids were doing well in school yesterday! What wonderful kids you have. That's what happens when children feel SO loved and cared for by their parents! The foundation that you and Kimmy have given them will sustain them for the rest of their lives! Praise God for parents like you and Kimmy! :)
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear that the staff at the school is checking in on your babies. What a special place this school must be. :)
I'm so grateful that you are seeing obvious ways in which Kimmy touched those who surrounded her! She touched me and I remember it so well. Pretty amazing seeing that I haven't seen you all for 8 years or so.
I remember how Kimmy would say, "Awwwww..." as she would discuss sweet things and people. One of your kids would do something and she would say "Awwww..." (with that endearing heartfelt tone), She would ask about my boys, I would answer and she would say, "Awww..." and always with a BIG loving smile! She really did enjoy others, care about them and appreciate them. Such love and warmth radiated from her.
I think about you and your children several times throughout my day. I'm still shaking my head at the loss of Kimmy. There will come a day when we will have a better glimpse of God's masterful plan. I know it's a good one...just hard to see at the moment although, signs of His goodness are seen by the people whose lives were touched by your sweet Kimmy.
I'm comforted in knowing that Kimmy is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, she must be having a ball! I love what our pastor shared about time in heaven. It's so different than time here on earth. Kimmy will turn around and you and your babies will be there. Our pastor says that YEARS on earth are only seconds in heaven. How blessed your reunion will be!!! :) Cindy
Dave I know that each person that reads your posts are so grateful for your ability to share all of these things with us. Some simple and some so deep and profound it brings tears so quickly. It is generous of you to give this to the people who all love you and your family dearly. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to pour yourself into this blog as you have. I know that one day, when this blog is printed out and bound (becuase it will one day - for your sweet bambinis)you kids will be so appreciative that you shared this and will truly understand and know what a wonderful person Kim was (and will remain to be even if she is not here with us). It is a gift from you and Kim, that cannot be replaced.
ReplyDeleteSo THANK YOU DAVE. Thank you for assuring that your kids are getting thru each day. Thank you for sharing a past that is amazingly sweet. Thank you Dave for just plain sharing :)
It makes my heart smile hearing that your sweet children want to go to school and continue on with as much normalcy as possible. That alone proves more than ever that their faith is strong and that they know without question that their mom is guiding them. The way you and Kim parented them together will carry them through their lives. She gave them so much and you will continue to do a wonderful job. I remember sitting at baseball games and thinking, "they are such great parents." The four of you have yourselves one magnificent guardian angel.
ReplyDeleteDave and Family, we have been following your blog about Kim's journey. We were so moved by your day by day account and so saddened that the miracle didn't happen. Your words of Kim's journey are a truely wonderful memorial to the person she was. You all have our deepest sympathy in this timeof so great a loss. Anne And Tom
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your memories!
ReplyDeleteI've only known Kim for a short while, a wonderful year at RVMS, but in that time she has definitely shown me how to be a such a caring person. All of this has definitely made me realize what I have, and I will strive to always see the positive in everything, in tribute to Kim.
Again, thank you for sharing!
Julie Shivanonda, RVMS friend of Kim's
It is so true that losing Kim has made me think differently about the way I live my life. It's a little like, What would Jesus do? When I am down and upset, I think, how would Kim handle this? Even at the worst time, Kim was still so positive. I hope to put a little Kimmy in my life :)
ReplyDeleteI love Sarah's post about "What would Kimmy do?" It is so true...she also makes me want to be a better person like so many others have already stated. When CIndy wrote about the "Awwwwwwwwww" it brought a smile to my face because I can hear her saying that, as she did in so many situations. At Cottonwood this year our motto is "One person can make a difference" and WOW did Kim make a difference in every aspect of her life : )
ReplyDeleteThank you Dave for keeping up this blog, we love hearing and sharing stories about Kim...
-Mary