On July 9th 2014, the world as we know it dimmed a little. For that is the day we lost a shining light known to all of us as Kenetha Jean Martin. Her light was not bright because of what she accomplished during her short life, it was bright because of who she was and what she meant to those around her.
When she was born on September 17th 1984, she rocked the world of Lori. Lori went from the person tearing apart lawnmower engines to a momma bear making sure her little girl was nurtured, loved and raised with a moral and ethical compass. Kenetha did that for a lot of people. She changed their world, their outlook, their perspective. I know she did mine and I bet she did yours too.
When she became a big sister to Alex and Jennifer, she was just as caring. I am sure she tortured them in some ways, as it is the right of passage of any big sister, but she loved her siblings deeply. The time that she spent with Alex’s children, Taylor, Thomas and Timothy allowed her to be the best aunt possible.
Kenetha was so much stronger than any of us could imagine. It was her inner strength and the love of her family that carried her through when her beautiful daughter Melissa passed after a too brief stay here on earth. She is back in Kenetha’s arms now where she belongs. That’s how I see them both.
So many knew Kenetha as a friend. When she was your friend, she was forever. Even if years passed, reconnecting with Kenetha was like picking up where the last conversation ended. She was empathic to other people’s troubles and was the first to comfort those that needed it. She could laugh and smile so brightly that you could not help but do so as well. It very well could have been her superpower. I know it worked on me many times.
Kenetha was a vibrant soul who came into this world a fighting spirit and that is how she left it. That same spirit was with her whole life whether she was standing for her own convictions or defending someone she loved. I don’t believe I ever saw her back down from anything. And heaven help you if you were the one she was standing against. And she did stand, for many years she stood against that terrible disease. With the love of her mom, sister, brother, Annette, her family and friends, she fought for as long as she could. She never gave up because she didn’t want us to be lost without her. But we will be, because to so many she was a source of light to see the world more clearly.
Kenetha, we will remember you always. We promised not to cry. Just know that when we think of you all the love in our hearts overflow and spill out our eyes.
Kenetha Jean Martin was preceded in death by her beautiful daughter Melissa Reynolds. She is survived by her mother Lori Hayes, family friend Annette, sister Jennifer, brother Alex, his wife Amber and their three children, Thomas, Taylor and Timothy, her cousins Elliott and Jennifer Kelly. Kenetha is also survived her Aunt Kelly and husband Russ Goeckner, her cousins Emily Goeckner, Kellen and Robert Anderson, their son Max, Amber and David Tumbarello, their son Sebastian, daughter Makayla, her Aunt Dannielle and husband Juan Gonzalez, their son Chandler and Kenetha’s father Kenneth Laswell.
Wings of Wind
On wings of wind we travel through time and space,
Collecting memories that cannot be erased.
When we look back and thoughts come to mind,
It is special moments with loved ones that we find.
And although we think that their time has ceased,
It is really their soul that has been released.
Poem by Alison Hargadine
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