A public memorial service was held at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2008, in the Entiat High School Gymnasium, 2650 Entiat Way, Entiat, WA.
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July 28, 2008 - Kyle was driving up the Entiat River Road from Entiat when he drifted off the road, over a driveway and collided with a tree. After 11 days in the Critical Care Unit at Central Washington Hospital, he passed away quietly on August 8, 2008, with his mother, father, and brother at his side.
2 comments:
Dear Kyle,
It’s one month since you passed away. I still can’t believe that you're gone, and still expect you to come sliding into the driveway with some incredible story about how you cheated death and none of this really happened. I watched you slowly fade away over 10 days, and held you as your heart stopped, so the truth is obvious, though incredibly hard to believe.
You gave me a digital picture frame for Christmas last year and added your hiking photos when I asked. I added a bunch of images from my computer and the frame sits on the desk here at work. The images from your life flash by, a little over 20 years, beginning to end. Like many family photos, they show the happy times. Though others may delete the pictures that are less than happy, I don't recall any of your pictures that remind me of bad memories. It's not just the pictures, though, it's the actual experiences. You seemed to have been busy, happy, and the situational comedian for your entire life.
You know I hate logos and commercialization, but I'm wearing Adidas now... I know that would make you smile. Our family photos will continue to have those annoying reflective logos. We all wear some sort of logo now as a way to stay close to you. We planted trees and plants in your honor and mention you often when we speak. It's the funny stories we remember, the happy stories, and the good times with you.
If the lack of bad memories is the rose-colored glasses effect, so be it. I smile when I think of you, and I know you wouldn't have wanted it any other way. That is, if you had to leave, you wouldn't have wanted to have people sad and upset when they think of you. Your attitude is alive as it has ever been, and we're all left remembering just how exceptional you were and how good you made us all feel. Even with that, I know that you did not want this to happen. You would never have wanted to leave your family with the pain of your loss, with the intense struggles of ten days in the ICU, or the questions of what they may have been able to do to keep this from happening in the first place.
Like many young people, you probably really believed that it wouldn't happen to you. I remember that feeling, and I remember learning from the experiences of others that it really can happen to you. I didn't see that when I was 20, though, and can only attribute my survival to divine patience or just plain dumb luck. I would gladly give my remaining years to give you another shot at enjoying your adult life. You will never marry, have children, graduate from college, or realize your life dreams. Though you marked quite a few items off of your "Things to do before I die" list, it's still quite a loss for you, and truly for all of us, to not see the great things you could have done with your life. I was so looking forward to you as a parent and your children.
Most of all, I wish I could talk to you, to make sure you knew exactly how I feel about you and how important your life has been to mine, and to all of your family. You and I rarely ended a conversation without saying that we love each other, and you know that I always have and always will love you. I have faith that you're in a better place, watching over us, and wishing that you could answer our letters and messages to you. You know my inner thoughts and dreams - put in a good word for me and I'll see you if I make it :)
Love always,
Dad
Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin
I feel you come back again
And it’s like you haven’t been gone a moment from my side,
Like the tears were never cried,
Like the hands of time were pulling you and me.
And with all my heart I’m sure we’re closer than we ever were,
I don’t have to hear or see I’ve got all the proof I need.
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe
Oh I believe
Now when you die and life goes on, I
t doesn’t end here
When you’re gone every soul has found a flight
It never ends if I’m right.
Our love can even reach across eternity.
I believe
Oh I believe
Forever you’re a part of me,
Forever in the heart of me,
I will hold you even longer if I can.
Oh the people, who don’t see the most,
See that I believe in ghosts.
If that makes me crazy then I am
Cuz I believe
Oh I believe
There are more than angels watching over me.
I believe
Oh I believe
Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin,
I feel you come back again
And I believe.
"I believe" - Diamond Rio
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