From Tragedy Comes Light
The death of Kevin came all too early for his family. At twenty-one years old, it is impossible to conceive why it is just for anyone that age to die. Kevin Kearney was not like most people, however. Kevin was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Duchenne is a disease that deteriorates the muscles of the body. It was a life-long battle that Kevin faced daily with a smile on his face and strong faith in his heart.
Being from a family with two parents and seven siblings, there was never a day that passed when Kevin was not a inspiration to his family members. To his mother, he was her brave soldier. To his father, he was what his other sons as well as himself should aspire to be. To his four sisters, he was the kindest person they had known. Kevin and his family shared an extremely strong bond. This bond did not come from a mere family name. The bond came from Catholicism.
Nothing was more important to Kevin’s parents than ensuring that all of their children were raised with a strong, Catholic foundation. What the children did not realize was that being raised this way would be the best gift they could have been given. Trusting in God and belief that the sacraments could strengthen them and prepare them for hard times was essential. Kevin’s family was as prepared as anyone could be to deal with tragedy.
Kevin was the center of his family. His parents and his siblings were always associated with him. Though a successful attorney, Kevin’s father was never more than Kevin’s dad. That title was something his father treasured above anything else. If that was all he would ever be known for, he would be the happiest man to ever live. As the eldest, Kevin paved the way for all of his siblings’ reputations. He was everyone’s favorite person, incredibly intelligent, and limitlessly kind. What most people were unaware of was his toughness and faith. Every day was a physical struggle. Constant pain and sleepless nights were all too frequent for him, but they made him all the more respected by his family and close friends.
Over spring break in 2008, Kevin fought his final battle with his life-long disease. With several siblings in various locations for vacation, Kevin passed away while being rushed to the hospital by his parents. With a sister in Mexico, a brother in Ohio, and another brother in Colorado, this could not have occurred at a more terrible time. Without a second’s hesitation, each sibling made the necessary arrangements to find their way home within hours of the news. Of course his family would come home. He was the rock and foundation for their entire family. What this family did not realize was that Kevin was a larger inspiration to the community than they had ever imagined. Dozens of families cut their spring break vacations short to be with Kevin’s family and to attend his funeral. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and friends all made it from across the country and even from Europe to attend.
The most amazing event that came from this tragedy was what happened to one of his cousins. Throughout the week, Kevin’s extended family came to South Bend to mourn and support his siblings and parents. Prayers were said and often there were references to hardships suffered by saints and people in the Bible. One person would participate, but had recently been unsure how to view the faith he was raised in.
Kevin’s uncle was also Catholic, but had recently been struggling with his faith. He had suffered a sick child and the loss of his father. He had also gone through a divorce. His world was further shaken by the loss of his amazing nephew. This was a tragedy he felt he could not forgive God for. However, he saw his brother, sister-in-law and his nieces and nephews trust in God and continued prayer. He could not believe how they were coping with Kevin’s loss. At the wake for Kevin, his uncle gave a speech to the hundreds that were in attendance:
“There are times in life when we are put in unfair circumstances. With no one was that more evident than in Kevin’s life. He was born with a disease he knew would kill him. He was told he would die at an early age. He was told he would never walk or play sports. He was told he would rely on people for everything. What he wasn’t told was that he was the only person who could live the life he lived.
Kevin was chosen for a specific purpose. He was born to be a great brother, a terrific son, and the best role model one could ever hope for. He was the strongest person I have ever seen. He was also a member of the strongest family I have ever seen. The way his siblings and parents were more than willing to help him with everything on a daily basis, the way the all love each other, that’s something you never see anymore.
What is astounding is that, even in his death, this is the strongest family I have ever seen. This family came together and relied on each other for support. I know that they are grateful that all of us are here today, but we should be grateful to have had them in our lives.
When you see a love like that, when you see trust in God and faith in Christ like that, that is what makes you realize what God can do. That is the power of faith. The Kearneys do it right. Kevin, Sr., Liz, their kids, Jack, Mary, Austin, Maddy, Erin, and even little Maeve. This family is what it means to be Catholic. This family has endured because they understand God has a plan. They appreciate the little time they got with one of the greats.
Kevin, you’re gonna be missed buddy. BUt know that you’ve left one terrific family behind that can continue to be an inspiration to all of us.”
This was the most powerful moment I had ever experienced. My brother’s death could not have hurt me more deeply, but I know that his life was not wasted. His life was lived to the fullest and fulfilled his role in God’s plan. With faith and trust, my family moved forward and was able to heal. We all still miss Kevin deeply, but we know that he lives on through our example and that he is in Heaven and proud of every one of us; my brothers, sisters, parents, and even myself. Kevin changed my uncle’s life and brought him back to the Church. That was an amazing influence that came from Catholic faith.
The death of Kevin came all too early for his family. At twenty-one years old, it is impossible to conceive why it is just for anyone that age to die. Kevin Kearney was not like most people, however. Kevin was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Duchenne is a disease that deteriorates the muscles of the body. It was a life-long battle that Kevin faced daily with a smile on his face and strong faith in his heart.
Being from a family with two parents and seven siblings, there was never a day that passed when Kevin was not a inspiration to his family members. To his mother, he was her brave soldier. To his father, he was what his other sons as well as himself should aspire to be. To his four sisters, he was the kindest person they had known. Kevin and his family shared an extremely strong bond. This bond did not come from a mere family name. The bond came from Catholicism.
Nothing was more important to Kevin’s parents than ensuring that all of their children were raised with a strong, Catholic foundation. What the children did not realize was that being raised this way would be the best gift they could have been given. Trusting in God and belief that the sacraments could strengthen them and prepare them for hard times was essential. Kevin’s family was as prepared as anyone could be to deal with tragedy.
Kevin was the center of his family. His parents and his siblings were always associated with him. Though a successful attorney, Kevin’s father was never more than Kevin’s dad. That title was something his father treasured above anything else. If that was all he would ever be known for, he would be the happiest man to ever live. As the eldest, Kevin paved the way for all of his siblings’ reputations. He was everyone’s favorite person, incredibly intelligent, and limitlessly kind. What most people were unaware of was his toughness and faith. Every day was a physical struggle. Constant pain and sleepless nights were all too frequent for him, but they made him all the more respected by his family and close friends.
Over spring break in 2008, Kevin fought his final battle with his life-long disease. With several siblings in various locations for vacation, Kevin passed away while being rushed to the hospital by his parents. With a sister in Mexico, a brother in Ohio, and another brother in Colorado, this could not have occurred at a more terrible time. Without a second’s hesitation, each sibling made the necessary arrangements to find their way home within hours of the news. Of course his family would come home. He was the rock and foundation for their entire family. What this family did not realize was that Kevin was a larger inspiration to the community than they had ever imagined. Dozens of families cut their spring break vacations short to be with Kevin’s family and to attend his funeral. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and friends all made it from across the country and even from Europe to attend.
The most amazing event that came from this tragedy was what happened to one of his cousins. Throughout the week, Kevin’s extended family came to South Bend to mourn and support his siblings and parents. Prayers were said and often there were references to hardships suffered by saints and people in the Bible. One person would participate, but had recently been unsure how to view the faith he was raised in.
Kevin’s uncle was also Catholic, but had recently been struggling with his faith. He had suffered a sick child and the loss of his father. He had also gone through a divorce. His world was further shaken by the loss of his amazing nephew. This was a tragedy he felt he could not forgive God for. However, he saw his brother, sister-in-law and his nieces and nephews trust in God and continued prayer. He could not believe how they were coping with Kevin’s loss. At the wake for Kevin, his uncle gave a speech to the hundreds that were in attendance:
“There are times in life when we are put in unfair circumstances. With no one was that more evident than in Kevin’s life. He was born with a disease he knew would kill him. He was told he would die at an early age. He was told he would never walk or play sports. He was told he would rely on people for everything. What he wasn’t told was that he was the only person who could live the life he lived.
Kevin was chosen for a specific purpose. He was born to be a great brother, a terrific son, and the best role model one could ever hope for. He was the strongest person I have ever seen. He was also a member of the strongest family I have ever seen. The way his siblings and parents were more than willing to help him with everything on a daily basis, the way the all love each other, that’s something you never see anymore.
What is astounding is that, even in his death, this is the strongest family I have ever seen. This family came together and relied on each other for support. I know that they are grateful that all of us are here today, but we should be grateful to have had them in our lives.
When you see a love like that, when you see trust in God and faith in Christ like that, that is what makes you realize what God can do. That is the power of faith. The Kearneys do it right. Kevin, Sr., Liz, their kids, Jack, Mary, Austin, Maddy, Erin, and even little Maeve. This family is what it means to be Catholic. This family has endured because they understand God has a plan. They appreciate the little time they got with one of the greats.
Kevin, you’re gonna be missed buddy. BUt know that you’ve left one terrific family behind that can continue to be an inspiration to all of us.”
This was the most powerful moment I had ever experienced. My brother’s death could not have hurt me more deeply, but I know that his life was not wasted. His life was lived to the fullest and fulfilled his role in God’s plan. With faith and trust, my family moved forward and was able to heal. We all still miss Kevin deeply, but we know that he lives on through our example and that he is in Heaven and proud of every one of us; my brothers, sisters, parents, and even myself. Kevin changed my uncle’s life and brought him back to the Church. That was an amazing influence that came from Catholic faith.