Kevin's cousin, Tina, spoke at Kevin's memorial service on Saturday, July 1st. She did an outstanding job summing up how the entire family was impacted by Kevin's death. 

Despite others trying to repaint the story, the truth remains the truth. The truth is that Kevin should never have attempted the long trip to Atlanta. It wasn't the cancer that killed him, it was the blood clots, which were known about prior to leaving Omaha. And the truth is that I was not "allowed" to spend 5 minutes alone with him in Atlanta to say goodbye to my brother. Neither was Tina. The truth is that someone was more worried about getting inheritance money than doing what was best for my brother. How did that work out for her? Not a frickin' nickel. 

The week prior to the memorial, I was bombarded with pictures, mail, texts, etc. from the same individual trying to insert herself and her needs into our time of remembering. I refused to be baited, or drag my family into any more of the drama. My focus remained squarely on what mattered... and Kevin is now at rest. 

The weekend was everything I had hoped it would be. It was full of love, family, good friends and FUN! We had so much fun that we decided we are going to make "Kevin's Weekend at the Lake" an annual event. 

I have seen many Facebook posts by others spouting how no one knew Kevin like they did. I chose not to respond, as it is pointless. The truth is, I knew Kevin for 58 years. He was my baby brother, I loved him, despite everything. I have no need to repaint his story. He liked beer, women and fun -- and he lived his life that way until the end. Anything else is just nonsensical babble. 

Little brother, it’s been a year since you left this world. One year… shouldn’t be such a big deal, especially since we hadn’t seen each other in almost 10 years, right? Well thanks to a dear friend who kept me informed, I felt I was always waiting in the wings of your life. Waiting to help. Waiting to welcome you back. Waiting…. Now for the past year I’ve tried to celebrate your life as I thought you would have wanted.

I navigated the land mines and obstacles you left behind the only way I knew how. And I picked my battles and took on only the really important ones. I was blown away by the gift you left me. The money wasn’t the gift. The fact that you did it literally weeks before you left this life told me that the bond between you and I remained unbreakable. And that meant everything to me and helps now that I am the last one of us here.

I miss you baby brother. I miss the fun and laughter. I miss the good times. I miss the bond that only siblings can understand. I miss the inside jokes. I miss someone who shares the same childhood memories… I miss you.

May you have found peace and joy. Until we meet again, l love you.