Kenji - In Memoriam

What I remember most about you is how well you listened. How much you paid attention. You had a way of sitting so silently... When we first met, you seemed like you were in some other reality that I was never sure if you even heard me; but at unexpected moments, you’d ask a question that always threw me. It would be some detail about my story that you’d ask about to clarify a point. It was maddening but so endearing. Amazingly enough, every time I talked to you, I always felt that I was the center of your attention. You were very good at that.

You paid attention. That was something so unique about you. I came home after work one morning and was so wonderfully surprised with flowers and rose petals scattered around the apartment. Apparently, during one of my ranting days, I told you that I would love to go home after such a hard shift at the hospital and smell flowers. I didn’t remember saying that but you did and you made it happen.

I remember that day we sat at the top of Black Mountain waiting for the sun to set over the ocean. It was a beautiful day and Morro Rock solidly graced the bay. You were lying on the grass looking up at the sky. You said, “’the sky’s the limit’ really isn’t that hard to reach, you know. If you work hard enough and learn how to make a rocket, you can make it there.” That statement epitomized everything that is you. Motivated, driven, focused, unstoppable.

Yes, I remember. I remember the wonderful times we’ve had. They are memories that are both sweet and painful. The memories flood my whole being now like it was just yesterday and you are still there. I am waiting for someone to say that there has been a terrible mistake.

I am most blessed to have met you. You enhanced my life in countless ways. Our hearts were one once. My heart will always have you in it.

Diamond Rio Lyrics
I Believe Lyrics