Tuesday, February 19th, 2008...9:31 am
For the Kimmitt family
On Sunday night I met the most wonderful family at the Captain’s party. They are readers of the blog and we stood and chatted and took photos. There was Mum and Dad, the kids and Grandma who was celebrating her 80th birthday with us. They are the Kimmett Family and last night when I returned from the show I had this hastily written letter waiting for me.
There are times when I think we live in such a cruel world and tonight is one of those times. I never got to say goodbye to them or offer them support and sympathy and it feels quite ridiculous that as I was watching our Big Easy show, smiling and laughing with guests this family were packing their bags to leave in Cozumel, fly home to arrange a funeral for their 26-year-old daughter.
This blog has had 1.6 million readers and achieved so much, however, nothing has been as amazing as the community spirit that you all have created. This morning, these members of your community need your help. They wake up every morning and read the blog, they laugh with you and they share your love of Carnival Cruise Lines and cruising. Today though, they need your thoughts and prayers and I know I can say without fear or trepidation that through this humble blog they will without doubt receive these in abundance.
I will be calling the family later today.
My heartfelt thanks to you all
John
116 Comments
February 19th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Dear Kimmitt Family:
Our deepest sympathy and thoughts go out to you in your time of sorrow. Hopefully you will find comfort among your family and find peace in the Lord.
We will hold you in our prayers ~
February 19th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Wow, I am sitting here stunned. This really puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? They must be special people, to thank their dining room staff for their service at a time like that. I hope you can find words of comfort for them when you call.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Kimmitt Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I know there are no words that will bring you comfort. Please know that I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Della
February 19th, 2008 at 11:02 am
My heart just broke into a million pieces when I read this. I cannot imagine what this family must be going through during what was supposed to be a time of celebration and fun.
Kimmett family, please know that the readers of this blog are praying for you and sending up good thoughts. We hope your travels home are safe and speedy and that you somehow find peace in the situation.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:03 am
TO THE KIMMITT FAMILY,
So sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your daughter Lindsay. Our thoughts and prayers will be with her and your whole family.
Mr. & Mrs. BIG ED
February 19th, 2008 at 11:05 am
John,
My heart is heavy for this wonderful family. I pray that they can find some comfort soon. To the Kimmitt family…I think I speak for this “family” of bloggers when I say you are all in out thought and prayers.
Stephanie
February 19th, 2008 at 11:08 am
To the Kimmitt family -
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of your beautiful 26 yr old daughter. No words can express our sympathy, but please know that so many people care and our prayers are with you and your family.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:10 am
I will ask those I know and love to join me in praying for God’s peace and comfort in this time for your family. It reminds us all to hug those close that we love and remind them daily of our love for them.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Dear Kimmitt Family,
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family on your tragic loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time and beyond.
Elaine
February 19th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Dear Kimmitt Family,
First of all, let me offer my sincere condolences.
I am truly sorry for your tragic loss. Our daughter is in the medical field. Right now, she is a registered nurse,however, she is studying to become a nurse practicioner. I can only image for sorrow that you are going through in dealing with the loss of your child.
Rest assured, John and Heidi have created a solid group of people who follow their blog and provide support as needed. I will personally be lifting you up in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
May you feel the arms of our Comforter surrounding you through this difficult time.
I pray that God will protect you as you journey home. Remember those special times with your daughter. Those memories will sustain you through the days ahead.
Godspeed my friends,
Ruth
February 19th, 2008 at 11:19 am
With tears in my eyes, I give my condolences to you, the Kimmitt family. I cannot imagine the heartbreak you have right now with such a tragedy.
What a beautiful family you are - I can see that just from the unselfishness you had shown in your note to John. I hope your pictures can get to you. I pretty sure John can take care of that.
I am so sorry.
Kathy
February 19th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Dear Kimmitt Family
Although there are no magic words that can soothe your heart, please know that you are in my prayers. My heart hurts for you.
Darlene
February 19th, 2008 at 11:35 am
With tears in my eyes, I give my condolences to you the Kimmitt family. I cannot imagine the heartbreak you are feeling right now. You are such an unselfish family - we can all see it in the note you left for John. I hope you get your pictures….I’m pretty sure John has taken care of that.
I am sorry.
Kathy
February 19th, 2008 at 11:41 am
to the Kimmett family:
i’m sincerely sorry for the loss of your daughter. My thoughts are with you at this time of need.
Donna & Bill
February 19th, 2008 at 11:41 am
John,
I wanted to take a few moments to send a message. As soon as I finished my response to the Kimmitt family, I called my husband. We often have discussions about the fragile nature of life. I often think about the fact that when we pull out of the driveway each morning, we have no absolute guarantee that we will return that evening. We go through the day fully planning to return to our family, but it is not guaranteed. We have pictures and precious memories of family times to hold on to should anything happen. I hope everyone who reads this blog will take the time to let your families and friends know how important they really are to you. We take it for granted that they know, but we need to be sure to tell them also.
I think you are right, John, those of us who read this blog on a regular basis have become a support system for each other. During this time of transition for them, lets be sure to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
Ruth
February 19th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Dear Kimmitt Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and you will be in my heart. God bless you and keep you safe. And watch over you during this difficult time.
Angela
February 19th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Our seventeen year old son died ten years ago in a car accident, so I know how this family feels. I offer my sympathy and prayers for them. Although they probably feel that they cannot survive at this point, life does go on and eventually things will get better. The pain will never go away, but you learn to live with it.
Paul
February 19th, 2008 at 11:49 am
To the Kimmitt Family.
So sorry for the loss of your daughter, Lindsay.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Kimmet family, as I read your devistating news, tears formed in my eyes. It is always sad to hear of a young person passing, especially one with such potential to do good in the world. We have a 23 yo daughter, I know my heart would be broken if I were in your place. Try to remember the good times, and the happy stories.
Your family will be in my prayers,
Diane
February 19th, 2008 at 11:54 am
This is so hard…. I am so sorry…All prayers and thoughts are with you.
Nanni
February 19th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
My deepest sympathy for a most heartbreaking loss…My heart reaches out to the Kimmitt family…for the sadness and sorrow they are going through….
I’m thinking and praying for them during this difficult time….
February 19th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Dear Kimmitt family,
I’m sitting here with tears running down my face and in shock in reading this. I am humbled by your wonderful letter you wrote to John in your time of grief.
All I can say is I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
To the Kimmett family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. Our prayers are with you and your family during this time of great sorrow.
May God be with you on your trip home and the days to follow.
Don and Carolyn
February 19th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Every time I hear a story such as this, I tear up a bit. This is so sad. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Kimmitt family.
Doc
February 19th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
To the Kimmitt family,
Our family’s hearts are breaking with yours. We struggle to find words to express what is in our hearts.
We offer up our prayers to ask for His help and blessings for you all to find comfort in each other, and in celebrating Lindsay’s life on earth and her new life with Him.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
John,
I am so sorry for the Kimmitt family’s loss. They will be in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that time will help.
Joan
February 19th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
To the Kimmett family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this tragic time. May the precious memories you have of your daughter provide you comfort in the difficult days ahead.
The Kilmartins
February 19th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
To the Kimmitt family,
No mere words can express the extreme sadness that we feel for the tragic loss of Lindsay–not only to your family but also for the world for what she would have accomplished had she had the chance. Trust in the Lord. He will grant you–and Lindsay peace.
Bob and Emily
February 19th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
To the Kimmett Family,
Nothing we can say or do can mitigate the loss you have experienced. Please know, however, that our prayers are going out to One who can bring comfort, and Who can bring peace. You are a part of our very special cruising family, and we love you very much.
Rus & Nina Franklin
February 19th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
The loss of any member of your family is a very difficult event that requires the support of all those around you. To the Kimmitt family, please know that the entire Blogger’s community is holding you in their prayers and that God is holding Lindsay in his hands.
May God Bless and Welcome Lindsay Kimmitt into the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.
Jon
February 19th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
With a heavy heart this morning I say good morning Mr. Heald. I just read the blog about the Kimmett Family. It just blew my mind because before I got into your blog, I read my paper, the Windsor Star the front paper said ” Spits in Mourning ” . It was about the city’s hockey team and their captain, Mickey Renaud, a strapping young man of 19 years of age suddenly died. This area is in mourning of this young and talented future NHL’er. I then begin reading about the Kimmett Family and their your daughter and I begin to think how precious life is. My daughter found out she was pregnant again and at the same time they found a blood clot in her leg and we are worrying about that. My wife and I just got back from a beautiful cruise where nothing seemed to bother us and now, this. My heart goes out to the Kimmett Family and all my prayers will be to them. Ciao Mr. Heald.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
February 19th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Dear Kimmett family, Our condolences on your loss. Lindsay was a very special young woman taken much too early. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Gloria
February 19th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Mr. and Mrs. Kimmitt and family,
My heart goes out to you at this most difficult time in your lives! It is never easy to lose one so close to you. Hopefully, in time, the wonderful memories you have of Lindsay will help to heal the huge hole that her loss has left each of you with. Please know that all of your blogger family here, are holding you in our thoughts and prayers. Sheryl
February 19th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
To the Kimmett family,
Our condolences to you on the loss of your daughter, Lindsay. We will pray for you.
Sheryl & Robert
February 19th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
To the Kimmitt Family
I am so sorry for your loss; My thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this time.
February 19th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Dear Kimmett family,
My tears are running down my face as I write this but I know this is nothing close to what you feel. Please know we will keep you in your prayers. Since I have no idea what to say to comfort you and I don’t think there are any words that can help right now, I’ll just say that God will keep you in His care.
George and Linda
February 19th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Dear Doug, Diane, Taylor Reid & Lorraine.
I cannot begin to fathom the sorrow you are all feeling right now. Please know each and everyone of you are in mine and so many others prayers.
Your daughter Lindsay was a very special young woman and the world has lost a bright light.
You all are in my heart and prayers.
Sallie
February 19th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Dear Kimmitt family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. It is also a loss for the whole world to lose a future doctor. When you feel able to, please post on the blog to let us know how you are doing.
Scott Nickle
February 19th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Dear Kimmett Family,
May God bring you peace and comfort. May you cling to His promises during this time.
~Lauren Summerfelt
February 19th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
My hugs and thoughts are with you Kimmett Family. Let us know if there is anyway we can do to ease some of the sadness. *hugs* Carla
February 19th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
For the Kimmett family;
Please accept my condolences on the tragic loss of you daughter. Only the knowledge that she is now in God’s hand can lessen the pain that you must be feeling.
You, and your entire family, are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless you all.
Greg
February 19th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
TO THE KIMMITT FAMILY:
NELSON AND I ARE BOTH PRAYING FOR ALL OF THE FAMILY AND HOPE ALL OF THE PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS FROM ALL OF THE BLOGGERS WILL COMFORT YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. GOD IS AT YOUR DAUGHTER’S SIDE AND ALSO THE FAMILY ALL OF THE TIME. PEACE BE WITH ALL OF YOU,
PAULA AND NELSON BAKER
February 19th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Dear Kimmitt Family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Gina
February 19th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
To the Kimmett family: our hearts are breaking for the loss of Lindsay. Please know that we will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Peace be with you all.
Lori and Tom.
February 19th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
oh my gosh i am so sorry to read this dreadful news. please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your lovely daughter. what an awful tragedy. i just have no words to express my thoughts…
hugs, bonnie and prince charlie
February 19th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Dear Kimmett Family,
I share your tears and your grief in the loss of your wonderful daughter, Lindsay. I pray that God will comfort you in this terrible time and give you the strength to do what you must. It will take time for you to heal, but please remember all of us…honorary members of the Heald “family”…are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You All,
Myra
February 19th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Dear Kimmett Family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Kim Parker
February 19th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Dear Kimmitt Family:
I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. Please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you…
February 19th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Dear Kimmett family,
My heart felt sympathy goes out to you. I pray that you can find comfort & through that there will some good from your tragic loss.
T C
February 19th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Dear Kimmitt Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers will be with you during this time. May God’s peace surround you and uphold you with a strength beyond your imagination during this time.
Karen R.
February 19th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Dear Kimmitt Family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family and we hope you feel the love and support.
Mary
February 19th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Dear Kimmitt family,
What a horrible thing to happen. There is no way to say how much we feel your sorrow and wish there were some way to help. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bless and help you in your time of need.
February 19th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
John/Heidi:
My condolences to the entire Kimmett family.
My thoughts and prayers are with each family member.
Lindsey sounded like such an amazing person.
She truly will be missed.
Thank you for informing us of this John, it just teaches us to appreciate every moment
David
February 19th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
DEAR KIMMITT FAMILY,
KELLEY AND I ARE PRAYING FOR YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS SAD TIME . MAY GODS STRENGTH HELP THE SORROW IN YOUR HEARTS HEAL . MAY GOD AND PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL.
TONY AND KELLEY VANCE
February 19th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Dear Kimmitt family,
My condolences to your entire family. I’m so sorry for you loss and you will be in my prayers.
Regards,
Alex G.
February 19th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
To the Kimmitt Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your tragic loss.
Your Lindsay sounds like a wonderful, gifted person.
You have our thoughts and prayers with you at this most difficult time.
February 19th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Dear Kimmitt family,
There are no words…I am so sorry for your tragic loss.
Please accept our sympathies and prayers.
The Lapkin Family
February 19th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Dear Kimmitt Family:
I can not imagine having to deal with something like this.
Our families deepest sympathy and thoughts go out to you in your time of sorrow. Hopefully you will find comfort among your family and find peace in the Lord.
We will hold you in our prayers ~
CarolAnn
February 19th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Dear Kimmitt Family,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult of times. God Bless You.
Ellen & Jack
February 19th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
The Kimmit Family
Please accept our Sincere condolences on the untimely passing of your daughter. May the special memories that you shared with her become the light and comfort to ease the grief and pain that you carry now and bring back the smile on your face and the warmth to your heart.
Sincerely
The Tuckers
Arnold & Elizabeth
February 19th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Mr. and Mrs. Kimmitt,
My condolences on the tragic loss of you daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with your family .God Bless.
Kari
February 19th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Dear Kimmitt Family,
Please accept my deepest condolances, my thoughts and prayers are with you during your difficult times.
God Bless You
James
February 19th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
To the Kimmett family: My heart goes out for you, and you are in my prayers on the loss of your daughter Lindsay. What more can any of us say, we know how hard it is to lose someone so young, God Bless and Keep your family in our prayers, Linda & Mike
February 19th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Paul: I will say a Special prayer for your daughter tonight as well as for the Kimmett family. Congrats. on the new grandbaby to be, and I pray your daughter gets a clean bill of health also! Linda
February 19th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Please pass on our condolences to the Kimitt family, it is a tragedy that no family should have to endure. While reading this sad news I have been listening to the radio here in Melbourne Australia and how there is another concentrated effort by the TAC (Traffic Accident Conrol) to try and reduce the tragic road toll. So many of our young ones are losing their lives lately and this leads to hundreds who are affected. Our hearts go out to all of the Kimitt family and you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne & Lisa
February 19th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
The Sheriff pauses to bow his head. Love em today, for tomorrow, GOD may call them home.
February 19th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
To the Kimmett family
I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Having lost a young daughter of my own, I know the horrific pain you are feeling. Please know we are all thinking of you at this most difficult time.
Sue
February 19th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Dear Kimmit Family, So sorry for your loss.Puts life in proper perpective.Will be in our prayers.God Bless Sounds like she was a special person.
February 19th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Kimmitt Family,
So sorry to hear about the death of your daughter. Know that prayers are with you and the Lord will see you through this difficult time.
The Knight family
February 19th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Dear Kimmett Family,
My tears just won’t stop… I am so sorry for your loss. Your daughter will be missed by more people than she knew… and thoughts and prayer for you are being sent from around the world.
May you have peace and understanding that the Lord loves you always! Even when we don’t understand the whys…
God Bless you!!!
Lambie
February 19th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
To the Kimmitt family our though and prayers are with you, that is so sad.
Robert and Suzann
February 19th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
To the Kimmitt Family:
I am very sorry for the loss of your wonderful daughter. I know that no words can really provide comfort at this time. My wife and I lost our beautiful 21-year old daughter to head-and-neck cancer in 2001. It caused us to re-evaluate what is truly important in life. If it is of any help, I find that as time goes on I remember more and more the good times with Abigail. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
To the Kimmett Family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your precious daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Dear members of the Kimmett family,
My heart and love goes out to all of you at this time. May the angels surround you and carry you all at this time. Deby
February 19th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
To the Kimmitt Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are will all of you! No words can take the pain away, but knowing others are there for you we hope will give you strength!
Susan
February 19th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Dear Kimmitt Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Clair
February 19th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Dear Kimmitt Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of your precious daughter. Words cannot convey the saddness I am feeling for you right now. May the memories of your daughter help to carry you through this tragic time, and may she live on in your hearts forever.
Your fellow Canadian, Kathy
February 19th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
To the Kimmitt , family ,
So sorry for your lose , my deepest 11 year old sypthony to you.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Dear Kimmitt family
Our deepest sympathy.
Ray and Jeanne
February 19th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
To the Kimmett family…
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your daughter. There truly are no words that can make this easier to accept. We would just like to extend our deepest sympathies in this time of sorrow.
Lance & Ilda
February 19th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Dear Kimmett Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and all your family on the loss of your beautiful young daughter. I can truly understand how you feel as we also lost our daughter 4 years ago at the age of 17 in a car accident as well. Your pain will always be there but will lessen with time. I feel my Kim with me always as you too will feel Lindsay. They become our guardian angels and watch over us. My prayers are with you during this sorrowful time.
Margie Tracy
February 19th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Dear Kimmett Family,
I have no words to express my sympathy. Please accept my thoughts, prayers and condolences.
Kathy
February 20th, 2008 at 1:19 am
Dear Kimmett Family,
I was so sorry to read about the loss of your daughter, Lindsay. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you strenght and peace.
February 20th, 2008 at 1:27 am
To the Kimmett Family,
I wish to express my deepest sympathy and condolences in the passing of your beloved Lindsay. Having also lost a family member last November, I fully share in your sorrow. May our thoughts and prayers bring comfort to you in this time of sorrow.
Risa
February 20th, 2008 at 1:51 am
To the Kimmett Family,
May God bless you all and give you strength to get through this terrible time.
Cindy Bruce
February 20th, 2008 at 1:58 am
Dear Kimmet family,
I’m sorry to hear about your terrible loss. While your daughter will not be a doctor on this Earth, I have no doubt that she will be able to use her healing powers in your lives from afar. I believe in angels and I’m sure your daughter is one.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
A fellow blogger….
February 20th, 2008 at 2:35 am
To the Kimmett Family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter, please accept our deepest sympathy during this tragic time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
February 20th, 2008 at 6:13 am
Dear Kimmett Family-
Life is so fragile. Torn from our grasp in a brief second.
Hold on to your memories of the good times together and try to stay strong through this terrible ordeal.
Life can never be the same again, but time will help. You will never forget, but eventually remembering will not hurt quite as much.
>>> hugs <<<
February 20th, 2008 at 7:46 am
To the Kimmett Family,
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your daughter. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in your time of need. Having lost my brother 2 years ago, my only sibling, my parents know just how you feel. I miss my brother terribly, but know he is in a better place. We will think of you and hope all the the kind notes from the bloggers will provide some comfort.
Linda and Gary in Michigan
February 20th, 2008 at 9:06 am
To the Kimmett’s - I am so very sorry for your loss. Having been in the same situation three years ago I know how tragic it is. Especially the suddenness of it. My daughter passed away in her sleep three years ago from heart disease that we didn’t even know she had. She was also in the medical field - she was a nurse who always aspired to be a nurse…. She was 33 when she died and I think of her daily. Even had a meltdown on the last cruise thinking of her leaving on her cruise to the Western Caribbean that we gave her for a college graduation present while we traveled to the Eastern Caribbean to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Fifteen years later these memories flood back and I sobbed through the entire lifeboat muster. So many others have been in this situation and are praying for you to get through this difficult time. I know for myself the first 5 days were a total blur. I remember very little. It will pass and the memories you’ll have of the good times will eventually overcome the sadness. It sounds like our world lost a wonderful girl. My sincere condolences.
pat dempsey
February 20th, 2008 at 9:12 am
To the Kimmett Family,
From our hearts to yours, may God’s love give you strength and comfort as you pick up the pieces of your lives after this tragic loss.
February 20th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Our condolences to this family. Our payers are with you
February 20th, 2008 at 10:04 am
To the Kimmitt family,
Words cannot express my thoughts to you. I cannot imagine your pain. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you must have of such a great daughter. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless, Jo
February 20th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Dear Kimmett Family:
May your family gain strength from the sincere sympathy from wonderful individuals that you have never met as you face this loss.
As you face the pain of the loss of your daughter may the knowledge that, while death may take her body, nothing can ever take the loving memories that you were blessed to share over the years. They are kept safe in your heart and the hearts of all who knew and loved her forever.
February 20th, 2008 at 11:21 am
As I sit here with tears pouring down my face, please know that you are in our prayers and there is another angel among us now.
God Bless you and your family during this most difficult time.
Blanche & Dave
February 20th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I am writing this with tears streaming down my face.. I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. we lost our mother on a cruise on Fantasy, and didn’t get word till we ported back in Orlando. It is very difficult to loose some one, but a child Oh my Gosh I am so sorry, try to hang on to what a wonderful woman she was becoming. remember the good times.her laugh her smile, her genuine love for human man kind. You all will be in my prayers. Fondly, Cheryl
February 20th, 2008 at 11:57 am
To the Kimmett Family,
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies. While nothing I can say will ease your pain, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
February 20th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Dear Kimmett family,
As a fellow Canadian from Ontario, I send my love and prayers to you on the tragic passing of Lindsay. I found her notice through your Calgary newspaper at http://www.remembering.ca and what a beautiful woman she was. Please know that through John and Heidi’s blog, you have more friends than you will ever know and that we will all be thinking of you and praying for you and your family in the days ahead.
God Bless You All.
Cindy
February 20th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Dear Kimmett family,
All my thoughts are with you in these sad times. Although there is nothing i can do to help you personally in this time, you will know that my prayers are with you all.
God Bless
Steve
February 20th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I too wish to send the Kimmett family deepest sympathy for their tragic loss of their dear Lindsay. I have read the memorial in the Calgary paper and Lindsay, indeed was an amazing young woman and the world has also suffered a huge loss along with her loving family. God bless you all. Nora
February 20th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Dear Kimmett Family:
What a tragic loss. I cannot begin to imagine the sorrow you must be trying to cope with. As others have said, it is always difficult when someone passes, but to lose a child, well, I can’t even begin to find words. Except to say, please know that your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
February 20th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Dear Kimmett Family:
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your daughter. The only thing more unbearable than losing a child, or a young sibling, is being half a world away when it happens.
It’s completely senseless.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult, difficult time.
Suzanne (In memory of EGC and JRE)
February 20th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
To the Kimmett family:
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Losing a child is unthinkable. Words cannot express the sadness I feel for you.
May you find peace and comfort.
Hugs,
Lois
February 20th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
It’s me again. I just read Lindsay’s obituary. We have truly lost an angel!
Hugs again!
Lois
February 20th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
To the Kimmett Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat
InMN253
February 20th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
To the Kimmitt family:
Deepest sympathies. A parent should never have to bury a child, my heart goes out to you.
Deanna
February 20th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
We are so sorry.
February 20th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Hello John,
I was just reading the bloggs because Geoff and I have only returned from our cruise on Carnival Liberty this weekend. I’m going to post on that later. I just wanted to add my simpathy to the Kimmett family. I will keep you all in my prayers. We are truely a family here and I think I can speak for all of us when I say how sorry we are for your loss. Trust in God and he will carry you through.
Leasa
February 21st, 2008 at 12:05 am
Dear Kimmett Family;
I pray that you will find peace and comfort in your faith in GOD as you pass though this most difficult of times. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and prayers on your behalf.
Marie
February 21st, 2008 at 7:19 am
I have no words that can comfort you. My heart can only ache for your loss. I truly believe that we live forever in the hearts of those who love us.
May all your wonderful memories of Lindsay help to ease some of your pain and sorrow.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:29 am
Dear Kimmett Family,
I was sadden to read of your loss. May you receive strength from you faith to get you through this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Charlotte
February 21st, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Dear Kimmitt Family,
I am just catching up on reading a week’s worth of
blogs and although late, I hope you will accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of your beautiful daughter. I am so very sorry.
Julie Gantt
February 21st, 2008 at 5:45 pm
For the Kimmett family:
The world has suffered a terrible loss. There are too few wonderful people in this world.
My deepest sympathy to you - my prayers and thoughts are with you.
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:29 am
Dear Kimmett Family,
Our deepest sympathy and condolences on the lost of your angel. There are no words to heal your pain only the memories and time will soften that pain. May you find comfort to know that we are praying for you in these trying times. God comfort and bless you all always.
Luis & Maria Torres
Tampa, FL
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Good morning John,
Kelly and Dianne directed me towards your blog this morning. What wonderful support. What compassion being expressed. It really helps.
Kelly wanted me to email you the obituary that he and Dianne had written. I didn’t find an email address so am attaching below. (one small house keeping note before that is that Taylor Kimmett left 3 dress shirts in room 1228 and would appreciate if he could get those back)
I feel that the Obituary that follows really does a great job at describing the wonderful person my niece Lindsay was. I have also attached a link to the Calgary Heral as that includes a picture and is a bit easier to read.
http://www.legacy.com/can-calgary/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=103853176
Doug for Dianne and Kelly
Lindsay Kimmett
KIMMETT _ Lindsay Leigh December 31, 1981 - February 17, 2008 With overwhelming sorrow and shattered hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our precious daughter, Lindsay on February 17, 2008. Lindsay was born on December 31, 1981 in Calgary and was completely adored by her parents, Kelly and Dianne, and her brothers, Taylor and Reid. Lindsay was everything we could have asked for in a daughter - beautiful, intelligent, athletic and most of all caring. She was a devoted sister to her brothers and loved to “mother” them from an early age. This ability turned to teaching as they grew older and they both knew who to ask if they needed help with homework. As they all grew older, we tried to make Sunday family dinners a priority - what special times to sit and discuss the events in everyone’s life. Lindsay’s voracious thirst for knowledge started at a very young age. Each night she wanted to read her books and then would lie on her bed with Mom or Dad and ask “What are we doing tomorrow and what should I dream about?” As she learned to read so young, she also quickly became an accomplished piano player and subsequently learned to play the flute and piccolo. Linds never stopped dreaming and learning, becoming a model student and excellent athlete. She graduated as Cochrane High School’s Valedictorian in 1999 and received the Governor General’s medal for the highest marks in her graduating class. Lindsay then earned a kinesiology degree with distinction from the University of Calgary in 2004. After taking time off to travel and work Lindsay decided that medicine was her future calling, achieving marks in the 99.7 percentile on her MCAT exams. She entered the Faculty of Medicine at U of C in August 2006 and was currently in her second year of studies. Lindsay had decided that Emergency Medicine was her passion and was preparing to do clerkships in Toronto, Halifax and Kingston in the coming months. Lindsay was driven in her pursuit of knowledge through her extensive travels. We have learned that one of her favorite quotes was by St. Augustine, “The world is a book and those who don’t travel read only a page.” We always chose to make our vacations family times and have so many wonderful memories of time shared on beaches at tropical destinations, camping in Yellowstone, summer spent driving across Canada, two European vacations and exploring Disney facilities. As Lindsay grew, so did her sense of adventure. She had travelled extensively in Europe - the latest being a month spent alone in Italy. Between her first and second year of Med school, she chose to do an elective in Tanzania. At the end of her trip, she climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and to the credit of her character, she reached the summit while suffering from severe bronchitis. She was an avid photographer on her travels and her final gift to Dianne was a framed photograph of zebras in their head to tail stance which she had taken while on African safari. Her final trip was a relaxing week in the Dominican Republic with friends from Med school. All of her life experiences, studying, reading, working and attending school for twenty-two years made Lindsay what her Dad called “the smartest person I have ever known”. You could Google things but it was much better to just ask Linds! Lindsay was the ultimate employee and her Dad was the lucky recipient of her skills. She started as a cashier at Cochrane IDA Drugs at the age of fourteen and became a pharmacy technician working side by side with Kelly. Lindsay also teched and did accounting at Rexall, moved on to Super Drug Mart, United Prescription Service and Calgary Prescription Services where she ran the total operation. Her short time as a personal trainer led her to decide on her path to Medicine. Anyone who worked with Lindsay always knew the job first would be learned accurately and quickly and then fine-tuned and perfected. With her desire to learn, caring attitude, personal confidence and attention to detail Lindsay would have become a wonderful doctor. Lindsay also loved sports, especially winter pursuits. She started figure skating at age five but quickly told her parents that it was boys skates and ringette that she really wanted. She played ringette until the age of twenty and then switched to her passion - girls hockey. Her main activity was hockey but as she said: “Ice, ball or mini - you name it - I love it - especially the Flames.” Lindsay played for several ladies teams over the last seven years and was the leader of the Med school second year Macaques ladies team. Kelly and Dianne attended her final game with the Macaques last Tuesday and she played the finest game we had ever witnessed her play leading her team to a 3 to 2 overtime win over the first year class. It would be the last time her loving parents would see her alive - beaming from ear to ear, rosy cheeked, sweaty and exhausted in her beloved “Monumental” (med school nickname) jersey. Lindsay was also instrumental in organizing the “Ice Cup” inter varsity hockey tournament held last fall. Lindsay died on Sunday morning returning from a hockey game with her regular club team, the Jets. She was a passenger in a car that rolled only seconds from her parents’ home. We were never sure how Lindsay fit volunteer commitments into her hectic schedule - assisting with the PARTY program at Foothills Hospital, organizing multiple fundraisers for teams she was involved with, as treasurer of her Med school class, and a member of the Med School class of 2009 graduation committee. Besides her parents, Kelly and Dianne and brothers Taylor and Reid, Lindsay is survived by grandparents, Lorraine Kimmett and Merlin and Betty Stauffer; uncles and aunts Drew and Rhonda Wilson, Russ and Angela Kimmett, Dennis and Margaret Nice, George and Brenda Jablonsky, Doug Stauffer, Oscar and Maureen Biasini, and Darren and Pam Stauffer. She is also survived by cousins Kelsey Wilson, Hunter, McConnell and Carly Kimmett, Angie, Christie, Debbie, Josh and Daniel Nice, Brianne and Miles Jablonsky, Aaron and Garrett Biasini and Julie, Peter and Samuel Stauffer. She is also survived by numerous great-aunts and uncles and many, many friends. She was predeceased by her grandpa Bill Kimmett in 1991. Our family and the world has lost someone who made a difference every day of her life and someone who was going to do great things in the future. We cannot let Lindsay’s dreams go unfulfilled and so as a family, we will carry on her legacy with the establishment of the Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Memorial Fund. We will continue to make the world a better place as she most surely would have done. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at any Royal Bank (Cochrane or Calgary branches). Tax receipts will be issued at a later date. This fund will be used for youth scholarships, facilities and projects in the Cochrane area. We have been told that Lindsay had never been happier than in the last three months of her life. Her schooling, her hockey, her new friend Ben MacLelland, her anticipation of clerkship and her love of family and friends had Lindsay at her peak. Linds was a chip off the old blocks in so many ways. We discovered a written menu and a shopping list meant for the turkey dinner she was preparing (just like Dianne always does) for many of her med school friends that fateful day. We are sure her party for that day had been carefully arranged just as Kelly would have done. In her birth announcement of December 31, 1981 the following words ended the formalities - “She is you, she is me, and we are one.” Nothing has changed with her untimely passing - Lindsay will always be with us - forever in our hearts. A Celebration of Lindsay’s Momentous Life will be held at Cochrane High School Gymnasium (529 - 4 Avenue North) on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Family Graveside to follow at Cochrane
February 26th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Dear John , I’m new to your blog. I enjoy it very much. We were on the Freedom in January and had a grand time.
You wear many hats. I often wonder how you can possibly keep up. This Blog must take a great deal of time. Have you thought of including other Cruise Directors? We are going on the Spirit in August to Alaska. I would like to hear comments from the Cruise Director about activities and see random pictures of the ship. I’m sure others would feel the same way. You would get a couple of days a week off from writing this Blog. Bye, Boop
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