My Brother, My Hero

June 4, 2011 is a day that changed our lives forever. It was the day that my brother, Kevin Joseph Kyte, passed away. It was the day before his 29th birthday. 

Kevin taught me a lot of things in life. I remember him teaching me how to tell time on a digital clock. He tried to teach me how to wrestle, but I was always to busy to learn that. One time we were jumping on his bed and he took me down with one of those wrestling moves. Only to realize that I had gum in my hair requiring a rather short hair cut from Mom. But I didn't mind, we were having fun. Kevin was there when I learned how to water ski. I didn't know how to stand up, so he just told me to stand up! Then I got it. I also didn't know how to cut across the wake. It would suck my skiis under and down I would go. Kevin told me to go faster. It worked! Kevin knew how to solum ski and he knew how to make it spray. This has always been a passion for him. But he taught me more than these things. He taught me how to love others. Kevin has the biggest heart in the world showing compassion to anyone in need. Often times giving them things they need. He befriended anyone whom he came in contact with, whether they be young or old. There was always a potential friendship. Kevin was generous. He didn't have a lot of money, but he always bought our parents, siblings, brother-in-laws, nieces, and nephews birthday and Christmas gifts. That's a lot of people!

Kevin and I always got along. He trusted me and I trusted him. Our relationship grew stronger in the year 1999 when he had a brain hemorrhage. Following his surgery he needed a little extra help. Mom and Dad took him to several places to give him the rehab and assistance he needed. But during that summer, Kevin also received his therapies at home and I was right there by his side. He received PT, OT, and Speech. This is where Kevin learned how to walk again, improve his core strength, write with his left hand and improve his fine motor skills, compensate for memory changes and speak. Coming up with words was challenging for him, but don't worry he figured it out. He figured it ALL out. Little did I know that Kevin's progress was inspiring me to choose a profession in the therapy field. I graduated with my master's in occupational therapy in June, 2010. Kevin made it to my graduation and I am so glad he did. He was SO proud of me! He told every one of my teachers and classmates that He was the reason I chose this profession and that we should be thanking him. Well he was right!

Last September my family and I moved to Iowa City to pursue this new career of mine.  We aren't able to go back home as often as we used to, so I go back with the boys when time allows. Ted usually works the weekends. On this past Memorial Day I decided to do just that. With no particular reason in mind, I headed back to Minnesota to enjoy the long weekend with family. It was a GREAT weekend filled with grilling, launching potatoes with Kevin's famous potato gun, and just hanging out. I distinctly remember my little Eli waking up at 6:30 in the morning. (Not a normal time for him.) So we quietly went to the living room to play. Kevin was also an early riser so he joined us. While I was trying to catch just a few more minutes of rest Kevin and Eli played together. No one said much, but it was quality time spent together. It was the last time I saw my brother. I remember him leaving; I gave him a hug, told him I loved him, and said, "See you later." And I will see him later when we joined together again in Heaven!

On June 9, 2011 my family and I buried my brother, Kevin. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. People who were able to attend his funeral told us that it was a beautiful service. As Pastor Chris said, "It was honoring to Kevin and glorifying to God." I agree that it was. Unfortunately, however, I never wanted to attend his beautiful funeral service. At least not at this point in my life. I always pictured us 4 kids growing old together. God had other plans though, far greater than I can foresee. But his funeral was one to remember. Eulogies were spoken from the heart by dear friends and my sister Lisa, words were spoken by a poem my dad had written only for Kevin, and a meaningful song was sung by my sister Sarah.

Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we continue to mourn his earthly loss. But I know my Lord has greater plans for Kevin as he is rejoicing with him in Heaven today. And while God didn't give us the opportunity to say goodbye or be with him in his passing moments I am certain that it was God's timing, in God's way.

I've read this quote in several books lately:
"Soon you will read in the newspaper that I am dead. Don't believe it for a moment. I will be more alive than ever before."  D.L.Moody

I rejoice in the Lord knowing that Kevin is living! And he is living free of pain, sorrow, and disability! He is better than ever. What great hope our God gives us in such sorrowful times. We love you, Kevin! Not a day goes by that I don't think about you!