In Loving Memory

of our son

Kevin

He Lights the way

I have been asked to perform an honorable but ardutus task.

I believe that I was asked to stand before you today for two reasons.

The first being that I knew Kevin and the special way he touched all with whom he came in contact.

The second reason is because I have never had a problem with putting a message or meaning into words, until now.

Suddenly, I realize how hard it is to make sense out of all that happened.

I have found it to be one of the most difficult things to deal with.

How can I send a message of love and expressions and tell you about this special person when all I feel is anger and confusion.

Anger because of the senselessness of this tragedy.

Confusion because the next step is unclear and I cannot foresee any resolution now, or in the time to come.

It almost seems pointless to go on, but we must.

If not for the the sake of Kevin's memory, then at least to try and prevent the same fate from occurring to other special children.

I am saddened to think that Kevin was never given an opportunity to make the most of his life.

To someday grow up and fulfill all of his dreams and desires.

I would like to think that he would have become a person who dedicated his life to the service of others.

Those who knew him well know the frailty and strength he possessed.

When you were around him, all the while you had the impression of a shy little boy: but if you put him to the test, he would prove to be just the opposite-full of strength and passion.

He exemplified all of the special qualities that set some children apart.

For myself and others, he also made it hard not to choose favorites.

With a disarming smile and a convincing way of saying with his eyes,

" Whatever you think I did, I didn't do it!",

he touched the hearts of everyone, and for that, he will not be forgotten,

This past week I called home and told my mother about what had happened.

She responded to what I said with a simple statement:

" God must have been running short of angels and needed another one."

It's funny that she never had the opportunity to meet Kevin, but somehow summed up in that one statement a message of understanding and belief.

In the Bible, Luke 15:10 says: There is joy in the presence of angels.

With Kevin, there was joy.

For those who have little faith in the believe of God and the special treasures he give us every day.

I think Kevin is a shining example of why this faith should be strong, and we should all believe.

A miracle has occurred here on earth and few of us realized it ever happened.

Many of us were too busy with the hustle and bustle of life to stop and look, or even think about it.

Kevin was that miracle.

An angel on earth and now in heaven.

I couldn't think of a better person for the job and would want no other to watch over me and my family for the rest of our days.

I want to believe that every time a child steps out on the street, Kevin will be there to guide them safely across, or every time a person wants to drink and drive, Kevin will be the friend who says no and keeps that person from getting behind the wheel.

Psalms 91:11 states: For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways.

Let us honor Kevin by always keeping this in mind and never forget that he will be watching over us.

For two nights after the accident, a single star was the only light in the night sky.

We all believe this to be evident of what I speak.

It was Kevin's way of reminding us that he is still here and if we need him, we only have to gaze into the night and we will see his beauty shining forever.

If anything is to be learned from what has occurred, let it be to appreciate what we have now before it was taking away from us forever.

We ask God to provide us with comfort and a sense of relief in knowing that he was spared any pain or discomfort and that his exit from this world is only the beginning of a more important journey.

Saint John of the Cross said it best in the Spiritual Canticle:

"Oh then soul most beautiful among all the creatures, so anxious to know the dwelling place of your beloved that you may go in quest of him.

Now, we are telling you that you yourself are his dwelling...his secret chamber and hiding place."

With these words, let us always remember that we have to look no further than our hearts and no higher than the stars to see Kevin and all of his beauty

by

Robert Mayes

18 July 1996

Thanks to my brother in law who wrote this beautiful eulogy for Kevin.

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