My first memory of Kyle was meeting him and Vanessa when I was set to babysit Amelia when she was just over one years old. They were in my parents small group … i thought Ellie was the cutest baby ever, they needed a babysitter while they had group - it was a win/win! I’ll never forget meeting him for the first time and thinking “wow, he smiles a lot!” As I got to know him better I realized, that’s just inherently who he is - the guy who was literally never without a smile and always the first to say “hey, Sydney! It’s so nice to see you, how are you doing?” (And he actually cared about the answer). He didn’t know a stranger and if he knew your name, you were automatically a friend.
He personified pure JOY. And boy, was it contagious. You couldn’t help but feel happy when Kyle was around. Even when he convinced my parents whole small group and the kids to go ice fishing in the middle of the lake without a tent - although I think this is where my sisters love of fishing began 😉
Kyle’s faith without wavering through his short but valiant battle with cancer has been an inspiration to me. He dealt with the worst hand with honour, strength and dignity. I hope when I face uncertainty and fear in life I can smile like Kyle and trust God in a way that makes no sense to anyone else, just like he did.
Until we meet again, friend. Don’t catch all the fish🎣
Sydney