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Kenny's Birthday

Monday, October 3, 2005 11:05 AM CDT

****NEW PHOTOS OF KENNY'S BIRTHDAY ON THE YAHOO SITE--SEE LINK ABOVE****

Life is rolling along.

Football. Football is good. Got a pic of Kenny and Matt, I’ll scan it in, it’s worth a thousand words.

The WaHi Journal did a big article on Dave, with the famous Greg Lehman photo of Dave and Kate on the front page. There was a picture of Dave and Zach on the back page. Kenny was sad that there wasn't a picture of him and his dad, especially since he is the WaHi student. It was a loving tribute and included a lot of letters about and to Dave.

I’m going to post another letter here. This is a letter that I found in Dave’s wallet. He carried it for quite some time. It’s folded, dog-eared, and worn, and notes are written all over the outside of the paper. It was obviously important to Dave, something he read many times over. Inside:

Dear Mr. Meyer,
I’m sitting here, thinking about what to write. There’s so many things I want to say to you. At the beginning of the year you told us, well asked us, if we could meet anyone in the world, who would it be. Well, to tell you the truth, I met that man my freshman year. He’s you. You are probably one of the most brave, caring, strong, and inspiring men I’ve ever met. No matter how much you hurt, how tired you were, you always had a smile on your face. You’ve taught me to be a better, care-free person. To not take anything for granted because it could all be taken away from you in the blink of an eye. I will be proud if I grow up to be half the man you are. I won’t lose hope. Since you first told us about your tumor coming back, I kept telling myself, “God, please carry him through our graduation, and far beyond.” I’m still praying for you, every day. I fell closer to you, more than any teacher I’ve ever had. This is probably the hardest letter I’ve ever had to write. Everything happens for a reason, right? I just wish pain wouldn’t come without a reason. I love you, Mr. Meyer. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Love always,
A

I don’t have his permission to post this, so I’ll just put his initial. Obviously, a fabulous kid. Now in college. Thanks, A, for telling Dave. Thanks for telling him when he was still here, able to feel it. I know he treasured your words, as he treasured you.

We had Kenny’s family birthday party on Saturday. We went bowling. The kids were doing the Fred Flintstone bowling style, in honor of Dave. It was fun, but like Kenny said that night. “It was different, it wasn’t the same. It wasn’t as good.” Kenny always seems to hit that nail square on the head, doesn’t he?

Kendra and the church youth group threw Kenny a surprise party last night. He was thrilled beyond belief. They had cake and decorations and a Miami Dolphins piñata and music and presents and cards. Wow. What great people. And, Kendra, you’re a gem. Thank you so much.

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