There's just something missing this morning...

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, kindness, and support during the last few weeks. Obviously we've had some tough times as of late, but Kela would truly have been honored to know that she touched so many people during her life. During the visitation and funeral services, I met people from her elementary school teachers, to her high school coaches, to friends from medical school, peers from residency, and many friends and patients from here in Bowling Green. The stories we've shared, the laughs we've had, the tears we've shed, all have made me realize just how blessed we were to have known her for the abbreviated time she was with us.

One of the greatest gifts we can give is that of a legacy - not necessarily a monument somewhere, but rather something where someone is remembered and cherished and appreciated in our daily routines. I can remember a chief resident in Louisville who always said "do the right thing" and to this day I tell this to the kids. Kela's legacy will live on - I've already seen countless Kela stories posted here on Caring Bridge, and last night I had dinner with some of her closest friends, and we laughed and laughed about some of her escapades and good times. I already smile inside when Baxter names off first and last names of his entire class and I think about the family tree and all those cousins from Monroe County! I see Alex practicing piano, and I remember how she used to emphasize this before playing football or PlayStation - Her presence and purpose will be felt around here for a very long time.

I would like to thank the folks at Caring Bridge for starting this website (if they're reading). I can't begin to tell you how helpful this was in relating details of her illness, insights into how she approached her treatments, as well as a portal for details of the last few weeks, visitation, funeral, etc. Her family and I were continually amazed at the number of people who followed her story on the site and used the information posted to make travel plans or send donations. For Kela, though, I think this turned into something more - her site became a form of therapy, a way to reveal her innermost feelings, her fears, and her faith.
It became a way to spill her soul and reach out for love and support, something that all of us need, no matter how strong we might think we are.

Again, our family would like to extend our gratitude to all of those who helped behind the scenes - our church was phenomenal. I saw people helping park cars, holding doors, cooking all kinds of food, and even praying and watching over Kela's body the night between visitation and the funeral. It amazed me and comforted me that in this world that sometimes doesn't make sense, that there are countless examples of God's love in all of our every day lives.

Now's when the hard part starts - it was easy standing in line for all those hours greeting people. Now is when we all start to live on and return to our daily routines. Going on without her won't be easy, but it must be done. She'll be cherished for a very very long time. These will be the tough times - please keep us all in your prayers.

Thanks again for your love and support,

Kirk