Growing up, he was a friend that I could have fun with or rely on to cheer me up. He was always a friend, even if a long time went by between our interactions. I have lots of fun memories of him that I want to hold onto. Here's to a friend who recently received, not a physical healing, but a glorious healing...
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| Graduation Day -- BHS -- 2001 |
- Referring to each other as 'neighbor' in passing or later in emails.
- Getting off the bus sometimes at his house to play until Mom got home from work in Kindergarten. Playing on the Schroeders' swing set and chasing cats around the yard.
- I remember getting in trouble in Kindergarten because I was holding onto Kenton and wouldn't let go. It was right before the end of our half-day when we were getting bookbags and jackets to leave. Mrs. Saenger had called on Kenton to get up to get his stuff, but I wouldn't let go of him.
- Receiving a note from him in 6th grade while I was getting stuff out of my locker to go home. He ended up being my first "boyfriend." I remember he even gave me little heart chocolates that next Valentine's Day. (I remember keeping that note and one of the heart wrappers in my journal until...) Then, receiving a note from him in 7th or 8th grade that he didn't want to be my boyfriend anymore... but we were still friends. That was a must!
- Occasionally getting a ride to school from him or his brother.
- Mom taking him, Cathy, and I to choir practice early in the mornings sometimes during middle school.
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| 16th Birthday -- Cosmic Bowling |
- Riding the "short bus" with him and his brother for awhile. Sometimes we would play "I Spy" on the ride home. Sometimes his brother would tease me, and he would stick up for me.
- He could easily cheer me up with his goofy/funny spirit. I remember when he cheered me up after I broke up with my first serious boyfriend during our junior year of high school.
- Supporting each other and laughing together.
- Being in Band together from 5th through 12th grade.
- Having lunch or dinner together with his family after a Spring music festival, and they decided we should go to prom together since neither of us had a date.
- Attending our Junior Prom and After Prom together.
I am so blessed and thankful to have so many experiences with him. I'm blessed to have known him. He had a personality that touched everyone around him. I wish I had kept in better contact with him. Such a sad time. I know that God was in control of the time he was in the hospital and was so sick. I know the Lord has a plan in his untimely passing. I know this is all for God's glory.
Kenton Lee Schroeder 1982 - 2011
Our Father has given Kenton a glorious healing. I am reminded of Revelation 21 where the Bible says "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain..." I am thankful that Kenton has no more pain.
He will be missed.