Friday, October 17, 2014

KOHL WILLIAM LANFORD



For those that do not know who this handsome man is...this is my cousin KOHL.  I was given the best 14th birthday present when my Aunt Terry gave birth to her twins...just one day after my birthday.  Big brother Nick was anxious to meet his little brothers...but we kept him busy and he didn't mind that because Uncle Bill (my Dad) would take him to John Deere to get the newest toy tractor.  Well On March 11th, 1992...Kohl William (named after my Daddy) was born first and a few minutes later next came Kirk Randall (named after his Daddy).  We knew these boys were special...but didn't know how special until a few days later.  At 3 days Kohl had to under go heart surgery and was hospitalized at St Joes for a very long while.  We would go in as often as we could to visit him...but would mostly stay home to care for little Nick and baby Kirk.   My Dad and Grandma Marjy would sneak in as often as possible and spend hours on end to sit with baby Kohl while he laid there in is little metal hospital bed.

Kohl was always monitored for his heart-later had additional surgery and was on medications. 

Kohl went on and graduated from Palo Verde Elem 8th grade-went onto Buckeye Union High School- Then graduated from Heavy Equipment School-top of his class.  I was kinda jealous he got to drive those BIG "Tonka" like trucks.  He had a successful job...but he never forgot his roots.  He didn't forget where he came from and would come home quite frequently to spend time with his family and close friends.

Today I got the call that I dreaded to get...my cousin Kohl was being rushed to the ER by paramedics.  Then a short time later got the news that Kohl would no longer have to suffer...he was in a better place now.  I am sure sharing stories with my Dad...and solving all lives issues as they look down from above.

My heart hurts for my Aunt, Uncle, Nick, Kirk and their ladies...but also everyone that has been touched by Kohl. 

He was a simple man...I wanted to share a little story...

Last time we talked was about 4 weeks ago.  Whenever he saw me he would make it a point to turn his truck around and see me or we'd make plans to meet for dinner.  He would simply shake his head and say, "Jame...you know some people go around this earth complaining about everything under the sun...do they not even see what YOU and I are having to go through?"  "We are fighting for our lives-you with your "C" and me with my heart"...but you know what "We keep a smile on our faces and we keep living life". 

So whether Kohl William (as he said I was the only one that would call him that besides his Mom) was your relative, your class mate, your friend, someone that's life was touched by him, or a simple stranger that knew of him...it is easy to say...he was a GOOD guy.  A simple one.  Didn't expect much...but worked for what he got.  Made a difference.  He made me proud to call him my cousin.

Kohl William I will miss you so much. I am sorry life wasn't always the easiest for you...but like we always discussed...we just keep living.  God's got you now.  I will say that I am a bit jealous you got to see my Daddy before I did.  Thanks for loving me always...because I will love you forever. 
I am sorry I didn't get to make it to a KORN concert with you...but since you know I was your coolest cousin-ha...I will still rock all my KORN cds and always play them for you.
Send me a sign every now and again...to let me know you are ok.  It's not like we can just call each other after its been a little while and say, "What the hell.!!!"...  I love you buddy.  Nick will be ok...but like you're always worried about...don't worry I will always keep my eye on little Kirk...your twin.
                 
An Angel whispered
take my hand and
come with me
you're work here is done.

I went away to a place
where there's no tears, nor sorrow
only laughter and smiles,
there will always be a Tomorrow.

As I move amongst the clouds.
I'll look down and smile upon you,
while the angels
sing a heavenly song.

I am not alone
all who went before
are here
they awaited my return.

I know you'll grieve
and wish I was still here
I am here in the memories
you hold dear.

Remember how much I
love you
and know I took your
love with me.

I did not wish for
you to cry, nor feel sad.
My pain is gone and
I am Free!

Soon you'll come to me
until then
God will be with you
Just as He's with me.