Tearful goodbyes..

 

We can't fully appreciate joyful reunions 

later without tearful separations now.

The only way to take sorrow out of death

is to take love out of life.

- Russel M. Nelson

Early Friday morning on July 14, my sister-in-law and friend passed away. Mary Kay was 56 years old. Mary Kay was married to my brother Kenny for a time. They had three sons, Carl, Jimmy, and Jake. Even after the divorce we stayed close. Mary Kay still came to family gathering and reunions. She would take pictures for us, so we have all those memories well documented.

It happened so fast, Mary Kay felt very sick, and they took her to the hospital for tests. On the way she flat-lined. It took the medical team approximately 15 minutes to get a heartbeat. She was intubated, and never regained consciousness. The doctors thought she may have had an infection around the lining of heart. An autopsy was performed, so perhaps the family will have some idea what happened, and it will help them heal. In a matter of a few days she was gone. All who knew her were shocked and heartbroken. Often you hear that everything happens for a reason, but it will take sometime for me to understand why such a beautiful, loving, kind person was taken from us way before her time, way too soon. The only thing I can think of is that we need to be more like her, and honor a life well lived.

This was a Facebook post on July 4:
Mary Kay
July 4 at 7:35pm
My strength comes from having God in my corner and enjoying each day I have been blessed with, knowing it could be my last.
Love my life, every inch of it.

This was her last post on Facebook. She would often share uplifting thoughts. They would always make me smile, and sometimes make a bad day much better.

Mary Kay

July 9 at 7:31am

My friends, dance like no one is watching, love as if your heart has never been broken, sing like no one can hear you and live like there is no tomorrow.
It's good to be alive!
Enjoy your Sunday everyone.

Good To Be Alive Jason Gray

Hold on Is this really the life I'm living? Cause I don't feel like I deserve it Every day that I wake, every breath that I take you've given So right here, ...

 Jake ~ Carl ~ Mary Kay ~ Kaylynn ~ Jimmy

These are some thought I had that I posted on Facebook. I wanted my nephews, and her daughter to know how much I love her, and offer some comfort. 

For Carl, Jimmy, Jake and Kaylynn:

The last few days have left me feeling sadder than I have been for a very long time. I have sat down numerous times to try to find the right words, some thoughts that might convey how deeply sorry I am since learning of your Mother’s passing. I can only say as your Aunt and someone who loves you dearly that Mary Kay was someone who made me want to be a better person. I know only a portion of the many ways she helped others. So many Facebook post said she was the heart of her town and her family. What a wonderful way to be remembered. She saw the good in people, the positives in life, and most importantly she showed unconditional love. She really was one of the most genuine persons I have ever known. She made her life count for something, and her legacy will live on as we follow her example. She was my sister-in-law and a dear friend, regardless of the circumstances. I love her, and I love all of you, and I hope you know that. I can hardly wait until I can give you a hug and be together. I pray in the coming days you have some measure of comfort and peace. 

Mary Kay took Kenny by the arm and helped to a chair at one of our family gathering a few years ago... unconditional love.

Another Facebook post:
Thanks Jimmy for setting up this page so we can continue to remember and honor Mary Kay. I want to share an experience I had yesterday, the one I told you about. I was feeling sad, so I took a drive up the canyon near my home. 

I found a spot near a beautiful stream. I took some time to think about Mary Kay, and shed a few more tears. I left a rock there with her name on it. She was a “rock” for so many… supportive, strong, always helping others during difficult times, and celebrating the good times. She was solid, and not affected by all the craziness. Thanks for being so selfless Mary Kay… for being our rock.

There have been many tribute on Facebook, this one especially touched me.

The board members of the Glenrock Area Chamber of Commerce would like to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to our late, great Executive Director, Mary Kay Kindt.

Mary Kay, we could never have asked for a better person to direct our organization. Your energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to this town, the business community, the Herder Nation, and every citizen of Glenrock will not be duplicated. You faced every task, no matter how daunting, with optimism and determination. We have witnessed your "Grace under Fire", and ability to always take the high road. We are shocked, heartbroken and reeling from your sudden passing and wonder how we will go forward without you. However, we will follow your example. We will straighten our backs, step into shoes that are too big, look to God for strength, and pull off the events that you loved in order to create memories for our community.
We send our deepest sympathy to your beautiful children, your mother, siblings, grandchildren, and the thousands of people that love you.
July 14, 2017.......We lost a once in a lifetime person. It was an honor and a privilege to work along side you, Mary Kay. And a greater honor to be your friend.

Mary Kay often ended a conversation by saying, 

love you bunches.

I love you bunches Mary Kay, I will miss you. 
Until we meet again...