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From His Cousin (June 2, 2002)
Dearest Sally, I cannot begin to tell you how saddened I am to hear this news. I am forever optimistic in everything and I was so sure this one would turn out a winner. I was really fearful throughout his hospital stay because it seemed he was following down the same lane as my older sister Joyce. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. Her hospital stay was very similar. However that was fifteen years ago and I was confident for new changes in modern medicine. I can only try to feel confident that God has a special plan for all of us. My best friend was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer four months before I was and we went through the surgeries and chemo together with the exception I am here and she is not. She left two young children behind. So I tell myself that God has a plan and I need to strive to be the best I can be to find and serve the purpose he must have outlined for me and know that he has a very special purpose for Kent. I will be forever thankful for that day I was messing around on my new laptop and found Kent's website. The Simcoe family was never large but with all the cousins grown and dispersed throughout the country and the aunts and uncles gone I was feeling a big hole in my structure. ( I think that happens as we are close to the big 6-0). Up pops the website and an immediate response from Kent. It seemed like only yesterday we were kids again. We didn't get to see a lot of each other as kids but maybe that is why it is easier to remember the times we were together. I always felt like I was connected with Kent somehow. I can close my eyes and there is that big smile of his. He was always giving our grandma a tough time. She loved it. She was also very proud of him. I am so very grateful for your visit last fall. Your car pulled up in the drive and out jumped Kent. I felt so special because he looked so happy to see me, running across the yard with arms outstretched. What a big hug I received as I tripped over fence as I fell into his arms. As I had told him, he had earned me big time brownie points with all the e-mail funnies. I just kept forwarding them on to my boss and other friends and relatives. His humor was definitely a Simcoe trait. It was always something to see when my dad and his dad were together along with grandma Sue. I really got into trouble at school because anything my dad said was gospel and I told those stories at school as fact. My dad had to go to school to explain and also had a talk with me. Now I have figured out that Kent was also told that same string of malarkey because I have heard him repeat those stories as well. I have plans to dig into the genealogy to figure out that Russian cattle boat story. I have experienced the shock, anger, grief and finally peace and understanding from losing those we love and care for. Sometimes I think it comes too often these days. I am encouraged that you and Kent have been surrounded by such a loving circle of friends and family. I know this will be a comfort and blessing for you as you travel through your journey towards peace and understanding. I am so pleased that I have met you. It is easy to see why you brought the sparkle to Kent's eyes. You are as very special as he. Please let us keep in touch. Love, Gay
This memorial site will be expanding. If you would like to send something to share, please click this link. He meant a lot to a lot of people, probably more than any of us can realize. Photos are a welcome addition. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Kent's memory to Canine Companions for Independence or Pleasant Grove Community Church, his 2 favorite charities.
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