Remembering our friend Dave Kirby

Sunday after returning home from church we recieved a phone call telling us that Dave had a stroke and was in the hospital and it didn't look good. Kara and I left immediatly for the hospital. We arrived and talked with Daves brother Todd and his wife Anna. They told us that a blood vessel in the back of Daves brain had been sheared causing a blood clot that travelled to the basilar artery. This caused part of his brain to go without blood thus killing part of his brain. The doctors performed surgery removing the clot but the damaged part of the brain was swelling quickly. They told us Daves chances were not good.

We went up to Daves room to see him and his wife Heidi. She was amazingly strong as she told us the slim possibilities and more likely reality. As we cried and shared some precious time with her by Dave's bedside the nurse came and got Heidi. She told her that his body was shutting down and time was growing very short. We all were horrified by this news. As Heidi sat by her husbands side she said that Dave is not going to leave this difficult decision to me, he is going to make it on his own.

As the family began filling the room we said our goodbyes and left so the family could share the last few minutes with their husband, father, son, and brother. What a sobering experience but one that will always be cherished. What strength and love was shown by Heidi and all of Daves family. Listening to Heidi we could tell she had an eternal perspective even at this difficult time.

We will always remember Dave and his love for life.

We are so greatful for the time we were able to spend with Dave in St. George. Kara was able to feed Dave and Joe many times in our humble trailer. Carson and I especially had many memories with Dave fishing almost every night. Dave and I had many days when our families were not with us in St. George that we spent at the lake fishing for largemouth bass or rabbit hunting. Daves cousin Trent showed us the hot spot and from then on we fished every chance we could.

We were also able to spend some great times with Dave and his family when his family came to St. George. We were able to go hiking in Zions, swimming in the pool, barbequeing at the lake, or just a KFC picknic in the park.

Kara and I were able to spend some good times with Dave and Heidi on our cruise, being as they were the ones that were more our age. We went snorkeling and rode underwater scooters. Of course somehow Dave talked me into entering a belly flop contest with him on the ship, in hopes of getting my uncle Alan to join in. It worked Alan joined us and we all three had the chance to make fools of ourselves.

We will always remember the great times we had with Dave and his family.

Dave, may God be with you till we meet again. And even more so may God be with your wife and children until you can meet them again.

Cody

For more info on Dave or to share some memories visit our link to his blog (Remembering Dave)

or http://ourkirbyfamily.com/