I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one,

I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

of happy times and laughing times, and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Tribute from Keith's Mother

Keith was a very healthy, happy boy from the time of birth weighing in at 11 lb 12 oz. He grew to be 6'2" and 225. Was never sick (other than the regular childhood things).

On Sept. 23, 97 he came down with cold symptoms. We took him to the Dr and he was dx with bi-lateral ear infections. Antibiotics were started and we thought he was responding to them. We were wrong. Six days later Sept. 29 Keith couldn't get out of bed. We immediately took him to the ER. The Admitting Dr. came back after numerous tests and said we had better sit down, that he had some disturbing news for us. When we were told the results of the lab tests, I became hysterical. I wanted a second opinion. I got it from a friend of mine, who was a Physicians Assistant. The results were accurate.

Little did we know at that time the dramatic changes our lives were about to undertake, and would never be the same again. The next morning Keith was admitted to City of Hope hospital in Ca. and was dx with AML.

He underwent 3 different chemotherapy's, never went into remission, had radiation and finally an out of country donor match was found. Had BMT Mar. 25, 98. Had many problems along the way, but he always overcame them.

We kept his morale up always. He never gave up hope. But on May 5, he started having severe respiratory difficulties and he was rushed back to ICU on May 8. Was put on a ventilator May 9, 98 and he died 10 days later, May 19.

Keith was our baby, being the youngest of 3 boys, and "our sunshine". He is loved and missed so much.

Please visit Keith's memorial web site at
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/9151/

Janie