|
On November 30, 2007, Kyle left home to go bowling with the
friends that had grown up with him. He was sixteen years-old and full of life and dreams with a bright future ahead
of him. He gave me a hug and when I asked if the needed anything, he smiled at me and said, "Well, Nana, money is always
a perfect gift."
I handed Kyle twenty dollars and he gave me a bigger hug and said, "Thank
you, Nana, I love you. It's all good." I headed off to pick Chris up from the hospital, leaving Kyle at home to
wait for his friends to get ready for an evening of laughter and enjoyment. He smiled again as I got into my vehicle and I
left not knowing that I would never see that beautiful smile again.
Kyle had been born to my brother, David, and Rose, Kyle's mother.
They loved Kyle enough to allow him to live here with us where he was happy and had the chance to be the best he could be.
Chris and Crystal knew him as their brother. I was always "Nana" because as a toddler, Dianna was too difficult to say.
We all knew him as a prankster and an adventurer.
Around midnight, I felt a sense of panic and I knew that something was
wrong. I called my brother and asked if he had heard from Kyle. He told me that Kyle had called him a couple of
hours before but was supposed to call again before they left the bowling alley to come home.
A few minutes later, my brother called me back. He had been calling
Kyle's cell phone, as I been doing at the same time, and an officer had answered.....there had been an accident, Kyle was
being flown into a trauma center....we needed to get there as quickly as possible. The next few hours passed by in a
blur and yet, seemed to stand still at the same time.
Kyle had been found face down on the pavement of the highway.
The other five occupants of the vehicle were alive. All three boys were doing well, including the driver of the little
truck. The two girls they had met at the bowling alley had been flown into the trauma center where we were waiting for
any word on Kyle's injuries. They have since recovered and are doing well.
After sitting all night, we were finally informed after six o'clock
that morning that Kyle would not survive. He had made no response from the time he was found until that moment and
had no sign of brain activity. He had been on three different respirators and none of them would sustain his vital signs.
We had a choice to make and we made it because we knew it was what Kyle would want.
Kyle unselfishly gave the gift of life to others through his death.
Oddly enough, we had discussed organ donation only a few weeks before. Our child is no longer here with us but he will
live on in the lives of all those he has touched. We have received cards from the organ recipients and while they are
grateful to be given a second chance at life though Kyle's final gift, we still have an empty spot in our hearts and our lives
that will never be filled.
As far as we know, speed played a big role in the accident that claimed
Kyle's life. We, as a family, have no anger or bitterness with the driver or any of the survivors. They were typical
teenagers out trying to enjoy the evening and it could happen to anyone at any time. Our hope is that others will see
what a tragic loss this has been and what pain we are enduring and maybe, just maybe, think before they speed.
Background photography on this page is a sunset that Kyle shot himself only a few days before his death.
Thinking of Kyle
Questions fill our hearts and
minds,
So unprepared for your life to
end,
We seek answers to the greater
plan,
Long to see your smiling face
again.
We try to face the days without
you,
Seek strength for each new tomorrow,
Surrounded by love, prayers and
friendship,
Please God, let it ease this
painful sorrow.
You are in a better place now,
Kyle,
The angels carried home the very
best,
Sleep peacefully, my precious
child,
Free of worry or pain in eternal
rest.
I know you're watching over us,
I feel your spirit here with
me today,
Bringing comfort and peace to
warm me,
You'll never be more than
a memory away.
I'll love you until the day I
die, Kyle,
You touched more lives than you
ever knew,
I'll cherish each moment and
each hug you gave,
My thoughts will always be with
you.
Much love,
Your "Nana"
Forever grateful to have shared
your life.
He was a tenth grader when this photo was taken. His goals and passions
in changed frequently.
He Sang
With falling tears, a silent ache,
In my thoughts I hear him still,
Singing to his favorite songs,
A hearty voice, pure and clear.
Listening, my eyes closed,
It could be a classic melody,
Sweet memories uplifting,
A moment in time to hold dear.
"Fightin' to be myself," he sang,
A blend of man and past lullaby,
Innocence lost without a bloom,
Gone within the blink of an eye.
My hair grows white, eyes go dry,
Still I hear his voice so near,
"I'll take my chance to live my way,"
My body trembles, I start to cry.
With falling tears, a silent ache,
In my thoughts he will still sing,
Words to his favorite songs,
In a hearty voice, pure and clear.
©Dianna Doles Petry
1/04/2007
|
