Yesterday morning we buried the strongest little fighter I’ve ever met. I was honored, humbled and extremely privilaged to have known Kaden and to continue to know his family. I was honored to help escort his body and soul to heavens gate as a pall bearer and was also honored to read a few word at the eulogy. I wanted to share what I wrote. Logan (Kaden’s dad) told me it was everything he’s been thinking and wanted to say but couldn’t.
Why Now
Why now, why amongst all the Holiday Cheer, parties and gatherings, decorating, travel plans, etc, etc. It truly is one of the busiest times of the year. So, why is it that God would take one of his most beautiful and special people? And a child, non-the-less. It really does not make sense to me and probably to many of you. Why would we have the burden of remembering each and every year that we lost such a huge part of our lives just before Christmas? We all know that there is never a good time to loose a loved one, but the holidays seem especially hard, so I ask again, why now?
Maybe, just maybe, it’s for our benefit? How could that be? That has to be one of the dumbest things I’ve ever thought of or especially tried to put to paper. How could this possibly benefit us when it will be so hard every day, to not have him around? To hear his laughter, to hold and hug and kiss, to go for walks or go boating, to hear the demand for meatballs, drinks, pancakes or cheeseburgers, (no matter what time of night it is) rides in the fire truck (but I think that was dad’s favorite) or playing with his sisters or playing with TJ or even just to look at whenever you wanted to. So, you’re wondering, how in the world could it possibly be for our benefit?
One thing that always stood out was that Kaden’s strength, spirit and soul seemed to defy most logic. A lot of people would comment to me weekly, “Man, what a strong kid Kaden is.” He showed us that strength right down to the end, even up until that last moment, Kaden needed to know that it was ok. That Mom and Dad, Rylee and Carly, grandpas and grandmas, aunts and uncles, cousins and all of the rest of us; we were ok and now stronger and we did not need him to fight for us anymore. A 5 year boy did not have to fight for us anymore. We have all become stronger and better people for having known Kaden and because of that, we will be ok. Every year from now, until the day that we are able to be with him again we will be reminded of Kaden. No normal reminder either, he gave us one more special gift. The Christmas season will have one more reason to remember how lucky we were, lucky to have known such a great and strong little boy. Sure, it will be tough, there is no denying that. But remember, Kaden made us all so much more than we used to be. And he would be the first to say “It will be ok”
All my love Little Buddy, We Will Miss you.
