We still miss you everyday. Vincent was playing with a role of scotch tape last night during family fun night. He looked up and said "this tape smells like paw paw! I still remember how he smelled!!" With the biggest smile. I was confused at first because it was a far cry from the smell of that cologne or bird dust in my memories. Nonetheless, that faraway stare for a second and excitement afterwards was too random to not be genuine. No 7 year old blurts out such a thing with no cause It still took me another 30 seconds or so to connect all the dots. I remembered the tumor on your arm and the way you meticulously wrapped it in gauze and tape every day for those last 5 or 6 years. Sad. I remembered all the mornings that you'd come sit at the table and carefully cut each peice of tape and the way you had to gaurd those scissors from my curious toddler. You always used that hand to hold the spoon for your yogurt that you religiously shared with Vincent while I used his momentary distraction to get the baby changed and dressed for the day. All the times you would sit in your chair and hold his favorite jack-in-the box while he turned the handle in anticipation and the fact that he was only arm length high from the ground when he knew you, made it understandable how tape could be the smell that instantly takes him back to his first 3 years of life with you. The sadness of your tumor faded when I imagined you hearing his association and the way you would of responded with one of your bass filled chuckles before somehow responding with something that'd lead to you reminiscing with a story and end up on a completely different subject the way only you could do. What i wouldn't give for one of those conversations that go on and on till hours have gone by and we're (I am) forced to end it because one of us is gonna be late to somewhere or has other responsibilities that can't be put off any longer. Maybe that's what prompted me to write all this even tho I know your still here with us in spirit so you already know it all. I guess there's something to be said for the power behind releasing the thoughts in our heads and emotions in our hearts sometimes. Kinda like transferring the energy maybe? You would know better than me at this point but whatever the reason, I'm just thankful we got to have you be a part of our lives and now our memories. Your love, lessons, and legacy live on...till we meet again💞
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Kent used to treat my children, as if he were related by blood. When our family and extended relatives visited the Virgin Islands it was like one big happy family. Loved him as a dive partner and a friend. He was such a great role model for my kids. I’ll miss him a lot. Alan G. Frank
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Indeed, such a kind soul. Condolences to all of you
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BIRDMAN you will be missed! But never forgotten,
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Kent was such a caring individual and had such a gentle soul and will sadly be missed. My heart goes out to the family. RIP, Kent.
Pamela Scheurman Graham
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We are so sorry for your loss. May God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
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So very sorry to hear this… my family lived next store to Kent and his family growing up on North Wind Drive in Euclid. We all shared many special memories . May you RIP in the hereafter Kent…The Scheurman Family
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Truly sorry to have heard of your loss Condolences go out to you and your family and all that were his friends He will always be remembered for his caring and kindness to all including the animals and birds he came in contact with. May he R.I.P. always
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Joelle, you have painted a beautiful picture of a wonderful life lived. Although I didn’t know Kent that long I do know he had a heart of compassion for those he loved - you, your kids, Holly, all of the other family members, and of course animals. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to get to know him. He will be missed. Thanks for sharing so much about his life and for all the pictures also!
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2020
I'm so sad this picture is so blurry! It was Christmas day
— with
Kent, Joelle, Isaiah, Jordyn,Vincent
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