This memorial website was created in loving memory, to honor our son and brother, Joshua L. "Doc" Kidwell. Doc was born on April 24, 1985. He was tragically taken from this world on June 24, 2006. Doc is survived by his sister, Sarah Kidwell; his Mom, MaryAnne Sullivan-Scott; his Dad, Jerry Kidwell; his Stepdad, Coach Scott; and his pups, MaiTai and Missie. He is also survived by his many friends at home who were like family to him, and his "brothers" in the army.
On April 24, 1985, God spoke to us:
"I'll lend to you for a little time,
A child of mine," He said,
"For you to love the while he lives,
And mourn for when he's gone.
"It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-one or three,
But will you till I call him back,
Take care of Doc for me?
"He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And a smile beyond compare.
And though his stay will be brief,
You'll have these precious memories of Doc As solace for your grief.
"I did not promise Doc would stay
Since all from earth return.
But there were lessons taught down there
I wanted Doc to learn.
"I looked this world over,
In my search for teachers true.
In the crowds of people on the earth,
I selected you.
"Now that you gave Doc all your love
Do not think it was all in vain,
Do not hate me because I came to call
To take Doc back again."
It seems to me I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, thy will be done.
For all the joys a child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
"We sheltered Doc with tenderness,
We’ve loved Doc since the day he was born.
And for the happiness we've known from Doc
We are grateful, yet now broken and torn.
"When the angels came for Doc
Much sooner than we planned,
It shattered this family’s dreams,
And tore apart our hearts.
We try to brave the bitter grief
That comes with this tragic end,
As we try to understand
What God for us intends.
Hope...Time...Love...Healing...
The brokenness remains.
Tomorrow will come. The pain will ease, so they say.
But we will never forget Doc, for he had an impact on many lives. It takes hope, time, and love for the healing to take place. We must try to accept, but never forget. Love lives longer than grief or pain... All other things pass, but love will remain. There is a bond between Doc and his loved ones that can never be severed, Because love lasts forever.
With broken hearts, our world seems like it has ended. Our dreams, our hopes, and our future with Doc for this world are over.
The brokenness remains.
God sends his little angels, in many forms and disguises,
They come as lovely miracles, that God alone devises.
What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose. For all that we love about Doc deeply became a part of us.
Doc left a part of him in each and every one of us.
To paraphrase the wise words of a dear friend:
A year ago on this date, a cheer went up in Heaven as Doc walked through the gate. He had that beautiful smile on his face, and a Heavenly glow.
A year ago on this date, Jesus wiped the last tear from Doc’s eyes, He put His arms around Doc, as He said “Welcome Home, Doc, forever!”
What earth lost on this date, Heaven gained.
The brokenness remains.
I love you son, and I miss you so much.
Mom
June 24, 2007
