We were on our way to Albuquerque the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we stopped through Dodge City to see Don's dad, who had landed in the hospital. He had pneumonia, but we had no doubt he would improve. When we arrived in Dodge, however, we were greeted with the news that he wanted all of the IVs pulled out and we would be having a funeral on Wednesday. His preacher, Jeff Hiers, had already told him that call was beyond his pay grade, but he was determined. Within a few hours, we were able to convince him that perhaps he was a bit premature, and he began accepting antibiotics. We cancelled our trip to the cabin, and we went back and forth to Dodge, spending Thanksgiving with Kevin, Barb, and Zachary.
We did think things were getting better. Don made several trips back and forth, his dad was in the nursing home, he was taking rehab . . . we thought he might get into an assisted living situation. And then . . . as Don was driving out to see his dad on December 3, he received the call that Kenny had passed away.
He was a simple man. He was a kind man. And he raised four fine boys to become fine men. Men that appreciate God, love their families, contribute to society. It was from the community that Kenny and Ruthie created that I learned how to have the family I wanted to have with the relationships with friends that I have.
On the day Kenny went to the hospital, he had gotten a hair cut, gone to the store, and driven to the casino for his weekly $20 jaunt. On the way home, he actually fell asleep twice. He awakened in time to avoid a problem, but that evening or the next day, he told Kevin to take his keys. In hindsight, he knew he did not have much time.
We are grateful for the many years we had with Kenny. I am a much better person because of my association with him. Rest in Peace, Kenny . . . and please take care of Ruthie and baby Mia.
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