Chris Kent 4.10.67 - 10.19.11

It is so difficult to believe that he is really gone. He was only 30 years old when he was diagnosed with cancer and spent the last 14 years in a battle against the ugly disease. I was always amazed at his faith. He was an incredible writer and wrote honestly about his faith and fight against the big C. His words always moved me. He had complete faith up until the very end of his life that he would be healed, and now he is.

I have been blessed to be a part of the end of his life.  It has been bitter and sweet. Bitter to see Chris' frustration each time he woke up and realized he was still trapped in his body. Sweet to see him smile at me and Lisa being silly. Bitter to see him suffer. Sweet to read his favorite verses from his bible to him. Bitter to think about Lisa, Kamarie and Jensen losing their best friend, husband and father. Sweet to know he is healed and living in glory with God.

Lisa said his breathing became very rapid this morning. She called hospice to order oxygen for Chris. Shortly after his breathing subsided. She knew it was the end. She called me and I could barely decipher her words, but I know she said "come" and I knew what she meant. I ran out the door with my shoes in my hand. His body was still very warm, I touched him and told him goodbye through my tears.  I had the privilege of helping to carry his body out of his bedroom when it was time for him to leave the house.

Chris, you changed lives. A friend posted a scripture on your facebook page today that summed up your life. Acts 11:24  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.  You had the gift of reading what others said about you before you died. I know you were humbled by their thoughts and words and moved to hear the numerous ways you touched their lives. What a gift that you deserved.

A life cut short, but a life lived to the fullest potential. I know you sought after your greatest dreams and desires and achieved all that you set out to do.

Fisherman

My handsome Jordan out catching fish! It was a native salmon so he let it go.

Saying Goodbye

Fourteen years ago this month my brother-in-law was diagnosed with Cancer. At age 30 he was told he had multiple myeloma and wasn't expected to live more than five years. Needless to say we were shocked! He had a beautiful two year old daughter and was beginning a successful career in Nashville as a bass player.

After successful treatments Chris went on to beat that cancer and stayed in remission for about 9 years. During this time they adopted a second child and continued to have a successful career as a musician. He played bass on a grammy award winning album and traveled the world. It is a rare thing when someone can look back at their life and say they lived their dream.

Chris fought a good fight, and as his doctor said last week, he is a cancer success story. His family got to enjoy him for 14 years after his cancer diagnosis. The cancer is now winning and taking over his body. He is prepared to return to his Heavenly Father, to see his parents again, his mother in law, and rejoice in his healed body. We are sad to be losing a humble, loving man.

Chris and Lisa, October 2010

Chris and Lisa, October 2011

This is the blanket that I made for Chris' birthday in April. 

It warms my heart that he sleeps with it every day.

Me and Chris today.

Biebs

She is so adorable!

Amos tried to behave while meeting the kitten.

Jealous.

I'm sure Amos is thinking, oh no, not another one of those!

Savannah adopted a new kitten yesterday. The day Spencer was leaving back to Canada they rescued a kitten that was part of litter that had been dumped at a friend of my daughter in law's. She is grey and white and looks like a mix of Ava and Lucy.

Amos was excited to meet her but acted surprisingly well behaved. I think he was very curious and happy that the kitten is not living at our home.