July 26, 2005 ~ August 3, 2009
Last Tuesday morning, I received some heart wrenching news from my mom. She told me that my cousin, Clifton's little 4 year old drowned in Lake Powell the day before. I was instantly sick to my stomach. Oh, how my heart aches for Cliff and Jessica. I think having 2 boys of my own around the same age and several nephews as well, really makes it even harder. I'm very heartbroken about this, I can't even imagine how Cliff and Jessica are feeling. On Saturday, I took Brooklyn and rode down to Cedar City for the funeral in Karen's van with her, Harry and Missy. We followed dad, mom, Laurel, little Mary and Amy. Right after they picked me up, Karen got a ticket for driving through a red light, which really didn't turn red until we were in the middle of the intersection but you can read that whole story
here on Karen's blog. After arriving to the church, we went through the line for the viewing prior to the funeral starting. The minute I saw Cliff and Jessica, I began to cry. Cliff was in such good spirits and I admire him so much! The family prayer and closing of the casket was the hardest part. I just kept picturing my boys laying there in little Mason's place and it made me sob harder. The funeral was amazing. My cousin Candace gave a wonderful Eulogy of Mason that gave us a little glimpse of the type of little boy he was. My cousin Kenneth spoke and did a great job. Then amazingly, Clifton spoke. He was so charismatic and optimistic. I hope I NEVER have to go through this with any of my children, but if I did, I could only hope to have half the strength that he has. Towards the end of his talk, he sang a little part of the song, "We Can Be Together Forever Someday" by Michael McLean. Oh, how we all cried and he broke down in the middle of it too. We went to the graveside service, then back to the church for lunch. It was so nice to be around family and see my cousins that I haven't seen for quite some time. It's just too bad it had to be for this. When I think of the emptiness that will be in their home without Mason there (he is the youngest of 5 kids) and the loneliness they will feel at times, it makes me so sad, but when I think of that little boy up in Heaven, with our Savior, perfect as the day he was born and how he doesn't have to go through some of the challenges that we all face here on earth, it makes me so happy for him. Clifton and Jessica are so blessed to know that their son is perfect! He will be there waiting for them. I am so grateful for eternal families. This tragedy has put a whole new perspective of things because it hit too close to home for me. I have been more patient with my children, giving them hugs and kisses whenever I get the chance and telling them several times a day how much I love them. Not that I wasn't doing that before, but I make sure I do and that they know I mean it. You never know what challenges the Lord has in store for us. We love you Kimber family! You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!
Here's a family statement that I received by email:
Many emotions have swept over our family as we are mourning the loss
of our son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson, and great-grandson,
Mason Thomas Kimber who had just celebrated his fourth birthday the
Sunday prior to his death. Mason, the son of Clifton and Jessica
Kimber of Cedar City Utah, drowned Monday evening at Lake Powell
during a family reunion.
While playing and building sand castles on the beach with family, a
surprise gust of wind toppled a nearby beach tent. Following the
short commotion, Mason's parents were shocked to find he had gone
missing. It was approximately fifteen minutes into the now very
serious search that his father tragically discovered Mason floating
face down and lifeless in the shallow water a few feet from the
shoreline. Mason had apparently ventured into the shallow water to
wash off his bucket and toys during the previous confusion.
Several members of the family, one of which was an RN, immediately
began CPR. A doctor vacationing with his family on a nearby beach came
quickly to the family's aid. Life Flight flew Mason, along with his
mother, to the nearby hospital in Page, Arizona where, despite their
best efforts, Hospital emergency doctors and staff were unable to
resuscitate him.
The family would like to thank all of those who have so kindly come to
their aid including:
The Nurses and Doctors at the Beach.
The 911 emergency team
The Life Flight crew and medical staff
The Lake Powell Rangers
The Page Hospital Medical team
Officials of the Sate of Arizona
And the many wonderful friends who have extended their support and
love during this difficult time.
Mason lived an exceptionally bright and adventurous life during his
four short years. His funeral services will be held this Saturday.
Further details can be obtained from Southern Utah Mortuary.
(435-586-4040)
Donations to assist the family are being accepted at Zions First
National Bank "Mason Thomas Kimber Donation Fund."
Birthday hugs from the kids
I love this picture!
Patsy and Travis Despain
Tyler Hansen (Etsko had to work)
Holly and Richard Naylor
Nick and Janalyn Elzinga
Emily and Shane Beech (holding Brooklyn)
