Tuesday, September 14, 2021
I met Kim through a H.O.M.E. group over 27 years ago. We had two children of a similar age and shared several birthday parties, we both served at Vacation Bible School, and we both took a sincere interest in each other’s children as they grew. Kim sat beside me at the convocation center as my daughter, Alex, walked and she was there again when my other daughter, Cassandra, graduated from college. We were in and out of each other’s lives over the decades through many changes and challenges. And together for some fun times celebrating our own birthdays since they were the same week and sharing our love for football. You always knew what Kimmie was doing during a Clemson game – and don’t interrupt her!
David, your mother was so proud of your scholastic abilities! And she didn’t even take credit for passing down your mathematic ability. I know for years you would speak everyday by phone after moving away and I know you are going to miss the gentle breeze of a hovering, helicopter mother. Seriously though, I think one of the reasons it is always so sad to lose a mother is because we always know there was a special person on the face of this Earth who cared about everything – everything about us, that is. It also explains why she was always ready to call in a search party when you were climbing all those cliffs and hiking into the wilderness of Colorado. Kim was your number one fan, David, and she loved you so very much.
Bethany, your mother counted you among her treasures and she would talk about all your fine traits. She was impressed by how much a “saver” you were, even as a little girl. (That was your own ability and not one she passed down to you – Ha!) She always thought of you as a smart, levelheaded child who would grow into a smart, independent woman. And she was right. She was excited to watch you graduate college with a teaching certification because she knew you had a big heart for children and had something important to share. Kim was always excited to travel years ago to watch your dance competitions and she beamed with pride as she showed off all her pictures of her beautiful daughter. I used to wonder where she got all the energy for your dance classes and travel schedules…. until I figured out it was her unending cache of Mt. Dew. I’m so glad Kim got to see you happily settled with someone to share your life with. I’m sorry she wasn’t able to see your beautiful new home in North Carolina, but she shared pictures! Kim was so proud of you, Bethany, and she loved you so very much.
I was finally allowed into Anchor Rehabilitation Center to visit Kim on Memorial Day. I am sad she spent a year in that facility during a pandemic with no visitors allowed. She so wanted to get to out of there and return to her own home. She had hope that would happen, even up to our last phone call this summer from one of her hospital beds. Kimmie really, really did not want to be permanently transferred to a nursing home facility but her body was slowly betraying her. Among my sorrow for the loss of Kim on this Earth, is the peace that she was called to her real home before that transfer happened. I’m selfish enough to want Kim here for us all, but I am smart enough to know she is in a better place. Kim loved her children, her extended family, her students, her former school district co-workers, her church members, her friends, and she loved to serve those in need. Today she serves the Lord, whom she steadfastly loved every day I ever knew her. I thank God for you, Kimberlie, and I will miss you very much.
