My Cousin Kenny

[Berkshire Road]

My Cousin Kenny was six months younger than me; we were the two youngest in a group of 14 cousins, with the next youngest being four years older. He hated that I was "older" than he was; and up until the age of 11 or so, he would always check, every time he saw me, as if he thought eventually maybe he would get to be the "older" cousin.

My Cousin Kenny used to play with me and scare me out of my wits in my grandparents' enormous, gloomy attic. He taught me to dring whiskey sours when we were way too young! He always had a one-liner ready; he kept us all laughing. He begged me to please do less well in school, because his mother was always after him, "Why can't you be like Carrie and get straight A's? You'll be the death of me, Kennny!"

My Cousin Kenny had a wild adolescence, got over it, and settled down with the most boring, staid woman we had ever met. They produced three children very quickly; the youngest is 1 year old. My Cousin Kenny turned out to be a wonderful father, a deeply committed family man. My Cousin Kenny was full of surprises.

My Cousin Kenny died today from a heart attack at the age of 40.

I loved my Cousin Kenny and I don't think I ever told him so.

:kissing: Goodbye, Kenny.

[dg2901]

Sorry to hear of your loss.

May you find peace from those around you.
Diana

[Annie2]

Oh, Carrie, I am so very sorry for your loss! Prayers being said for you and all of the family.

[SrMaggie]

When we are accepted by others, I think we intuitively know that we have been loved. I'm sure he knew it.

[ICNDonna]

I'm so sorry. I think he must have known you loved him.

Sending gentle hugs,
Donna

[Trishann]

I am so sorry too. I agree that he knew that you loved him.

Sending plenty of hugs, Trishann

[Bessie]

I am sorry about the loss of your cousin. I will keep you and your family in my prayers :pray:

[ihurttoo]

I am so sorry about the loss of your cousin. I have several cousins that I am very close to also. I am closer to a few than I am my siblings. I cant imagine losing them. I will definately keep you and your family in my prayers. Hugs, Amy

[Sarojini]

I am so sorry for the loss of your cousin. It sounds like you had a wonderful relationship, and that he will live on in the memories you have of him in your heart. I am certain he knew how you loved him.... :grouphug:

[pingpong]

I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin. I agree with the others: I'm sure he knew how you felt about him. I hope you'll be able to teach his children how special their father was.

[SandyRN]

I'm really sorry I didn't see this til just now. I'm so sorry for your loss! :grouphug:

[meme]

That was very sweet what you wrote about your cousin. So sorry to hear. Take care.

[Berkshire Road]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. The funeral is tomorrow -- Wednesday. I am still having trouble believing that he's gone.

My husband is away on a business trip, so my sister offered to come and pick me up -- way out of her way -- and drive me there and back, so I would be able to take whatever meds I need to get me through the day without worrying. Isn't that sweet?

I appreciate all your condolences, support, and offers of prayers. In the Jewish tradition, Kenny's father and brothers will say special prayers for him in the synagogue, every morning for a year and a day. But my feeling is, 'extra' prayers can never be wasted. So thank you all.

[Bessie]

That is such a beautiful tradition :pray:

[tigger_gal]

(((((hugs)))))))) so sorry to hear of your loss. sending hugs to you and your family.

[Kara29]

Carolyn,

I will be sending some healing thoughts your way! I am sorry to hear about your cousin.

Kara:angel:

[Babs RN]

I am sorry I did not see this until now. Many prayers for your family during this trying time. I think he knew you loved him as well.

Hugs,
Barb:pray:

[tabasco32]

your cousin kenny sounded like a real fun loving man. God loves kenny and will take real good care of him in heaven.

[Berkshire Road]

Octoberfarm -- Thank you for what you said about the kadish (daily prayer) tradition. It is a beautiful tradition, but hard. They will have to attend a 6 am service every single day for 366 days. But they will still take great comfort in it, knowing that they are doing exactly the same thing their ancestors have done for 6,000 years, and that someday someone will do the same for them.

Yesterday was the funeral, and I am physically and emotionally exhausted today. So terrible when someone young dies.

[Bessie]

I can understand the tradition bringing comfort. I feel the same way about the traditions in my Church also. It is a beautiful thing to know that you are participating in the same traditions as our ancestors and saints. I pray that you and your family will recieve special blessings and comfort from God.
Take care

[topcop229]

Carolyn,
I am so very sorry for your loss.