I havn't had the will or the energy to write a post but I want to say thank you once again to everybody. Thank you for the all the prayers, well wishes, cards, the wonderful food that people have brought over, the monetary donations and your presence both at the memorial and on Cleve's birthday. I just want to reiterate how thankful I am but feel it comes up short compared to what I feel in my heart. This truly has been a life changing event in so many ways. I have been pushed beyond what I thought my capacity was but found I could cope with the help of so many loved ones. I could not have done it without my support "team". The tremendous generosity I experienced will be paid forward both emotionally and monetarily. I plan on making donations to others as others have made to my family. I have unfortunately learned how I react in a devastating situation, people have mistaken it for strength, but I don't feel strong at all, in fact I feel the weakest i've ever felt. I also feel anger, relief and love. So many emotions that I'm sure are all normal but it breaks my heart to have to experience right along side my boys. But I know in time the hurt will dull and we will eventually have more happy days than sad days. I will live my life and teach my boys to give love, respect and compassion to others because as Cleve would say, you get what you give. Thank you all for viewing the blog, following our journey and leaving such beautiful comments, but this will be my last post. I will leave you with a song that has meant a lot to me over the last few months.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9ETxBHYBAU
Here's to life,
Katie
Lynda Smith Olsrud
ReplyDeleteKatie, the song is so beautiful & appropriate. I never dreamed the day I gave birth to you that you would become the wife, the mother, the beautiful woman I prayed you'd be. You were pitched a curve ball my sweet girl....& you smacked it over the fence. God gave you courage & strength in the hardest of times & he will continue to stand beside you. He knows that raising two young boy's is not an easy task for a single parent....that is why "WE" will always be here for you & the boys in every way on any day. I love you to infinity & back my incredible girl......♥ Mom
Hello Katie, I wanted to let you know that you are stronger than you think. A strong person knows when to be the pillar (for your boys) and when that pillar needs support to ask and except it (from your family and friends).
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you will see this but I wanted to leave you the posts that I have found about Cleve on Facebook. I had asked people to share their thoughts and memories of him. (A sort of signing of the yearbook you could say).
Landi Stoute
I don't have a story to share, but just remember that he was always a kind, caring person. So fun to be around.
Frank Reece the first time i met him was swimming at indian creek, the summer of 79? - he borrowed my swim goggles, big dude & very friendly - he remained that way as long as i knew him big & friendly - RIP Cleavage!
Sean Toly
He was the best, Always in a good mood, and totally funny, yet truly a great guy. I can remember many a day down at that Indian creek swimming hole. Those are some of my best memories.
David Brown
I hadn't seen him in a while, the last time I saw him he was still in grade school! I knew his parents, because his dad worked with mine, from what I remember he was a responsible kid with a great attitude, which from what I understand, his son is a lot like his dad!
Robert Everett
I remember Cleve---As a student, a Baseball player, A Medical Professional and a friend of his family: his Mom and siblings. Life is so short especially when you expect one to live for many years. Sorrow and memories are all that is left---The Lord would like for us to prepare for Eternity--John 3:16---------I will continue to pray for His wife and kids in their time of bereavement.—Terry
Cari Colwell Rosson
So sad to have lost Cleve at such a young age. In high school he was the person you could turn to and say anything and he would support you... He will be missed....
Elizabeth Kofford We will miss you Cleve and that great smile!
Cari Lane Everett Cleve was always smiling !
Cantreece V. Lynch He was a kind soul
Christine Colwell Pompel
The world has lost a beautiful, wonderful person. Thank you Cleve for letting me be part of your life. I will carry you for ever in my heart. You made high school fun. It was awesome knowing you, I will miss you.
Jenny Laak Thomas Cleve Kendall? Omg
Joyce George Elliott
I just read the blog update and am sitting here in tears. I didn't know him as a man but as a high school mate he was a kind gentle person who had fun with his friends.
Cari Colwell Rosson
Sad to hear about a loss of a great person today. Cleve you will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you wife and children.
Jenny Laak Thomas I am with you...so sad. Prayers to the family. :-(
Crisanta Emma Gonzalez
Hi Cari, I just saw him at my niece Vanessa Driskell baby shower. He looked good, had the same great smile. He was concerned about his up coming battle, but still had on a brave face. My nieces are taking this hard, he was like an uncle to them.
Cari Colwell Rosson sorry Emma, I realize this has to be so hard on your family... It was great to see he had Sean, Pat, and Kevin by his side the whole time at the end as well..
Crisanta Emma Gonzalez I was not as close to him as Sabrina, Vanessa, and Chris, they were around him through their dad, along with Pat and Sean. The girls are taking it hard, my heart hurts for them.
Lisa Haas
To my dear family friend Clevie Kendall...RIP my childhood friend! Here's to the slobbering days...love and peace to your family!
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ReplyDeleteMarvin Harrison my sympathies to the families
Marsha Thompson Jones
Such a great soul. Hard to believe.
David Brown I'll tell my folks!
Landi Stoute
My sympathies!
David Brown
my sympathies & prayers are with you all!
Mike Gibbons
I'm astonished. I just read last week about his condition, and now he is gone? Thought filled prayers to his family. He was a great guy. Many fond memories of Cleve.
Angie Martin
oh no. My heart is sad. I do feel comfort knowing he is in heaven with his mom & dad. RIP Clevie.
Shannon Whitman Jones
I am so sad to hear about that, it breaks my heart.
Noblelee Cook
bless you Cleve and i am so sorry to the family for there loss , he will be remembered
Barry Waddell
Rest in Peace my brother. Cleve lives on, in all of the best memories of my life in Happy Camp. The world has lost a truly amazing man today.· Like · 1
Kimberly Pflieger
RIP Cleve....
Frank Young Sanchez
Happy Camp lost a good man!!!!! RIP Cleve
Sean Toly
My condolences,He will always be fondly remembered.Like · 1
John Hawkeye Bergen Condolences and Prayers.
Kevin L. Driskell
Good bye my old friend and brother. You will be missed but never forgotten. you will live in my heart and soul forever...Thank you for the 44 years of love, compassion and friendship...Cleve Kendall you have given me the strength and wisdom to be a better man....Love always....
Cameron Gabriel Kevin, sorry to hear about Cleve. What a tragic loss.
Jennifer Titus
Kevin L. Driskell, So sorry! I have been thinking of Cleve, you and band days. It seems like yesterday and a lifetime ago. Over the years when I have crossed his path he was always the same, big smile and caring. He will be missed. But what an example he was.
Marsha Thompson Jones
I have this memory of seeing the four of you sitting on the school grounds right by the gate to Sean's house, strumming guitars and just hanging out. I'll always remember you like that. My heart goes out to Cleve's family and friends.
Alverna Lorge Bresette
Condolences to Cleve's family and to you Kevin.
Trisha Johnson Barnes
Kevin... I'm so sorry to hear about Cleve's passing. My heart goes out to his family and to his strong wife and young sons. I can't imagine how hard it's been for you and Pat and Shawn and the rest of the gang who were there to help him, but I think we all knew a long time ago how special and unique your friendship was. My heart feels better knowing that he had you guys to help him and comfort him, and I'm so glad to have known him.
Frank Young Sanchez
Long time not talk. Sorry to hear about Cleve. You guys remained friends through all of these years and that is something special. I only have fond memories of Cleve and the nice person that he was.
Bren Sullivan
RIP Cleve and Mindy.(she posted a picture from our 8th grade year book) Thank you for the memories. I really looked up to both of you through all our years of school. The last time I saw Cleve was in the cafeteria at Rogue Valley Hospital. He was working as a surgeon tech. I was so proud of him and he was so full of life and happy.
You and your boys will always be in our prayers. Sincerely,Crystal
Cleve and I played in an Irish Band, The O'Reilly Brothers, when he was staying in Phoenix in the 90s. After Cleve went back to Oregon we didn't stay in touch as much as we should have. The last time we spoke was in Feb. 2010 shortly after his mother's passing. When he dropped off of Facebook I thought he was taking time to spend with his family. I had no idea until searching for his name last night that his cancer had returned and that he had passed.
ReplyDeleteI am truly and deeply saddened for our loss. He was a great guy and I am glad to have spent some wonderful times with him.
Mark