For Kade’s Mother:
Before I say anything I want to say how truly sorry I am for your loss. I didn’t get to know Kade for very long but he time I had changed how I will see life forever. My family is praying for you and everyone and I want to let you know that the Lord loves you and Kade.
How I met Kade:
I have only ever met Kade one time and it is something I will always remember. I was a the Thatcher Tennis tournament playing for Benson when I got the privilege of playing against Kade. Even though I think me and doubles partner were beating them, Kade never ceased to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Throughout the match he and I continued to have conversations and make jokes about all sorts of things. My friend Emy was in the stands watching both of us and saw how I believed tennis was meant to be played. Sometimes you get an opponent who is upset or silent and you don’t have much joy in the game but occasionally you get someone special. For myself, Kade was the special opponent everybody always wants.
Never before have I played a person who always has a smile on his face. I have never seen someone who seemed to be as happy as Kade always was. Every single picture or story I have ever heard about him has always shown his love and appreciation for life and those around him. Today people get caught up with all the bad things. In tennis people get caught up with losing or not performing very well. Kade didn’t do this.
I remember leaving that night to head back home to Benson and thinking about how fun it was. As I prayed that night I got the feeling that there was more to it. I never realized until now that the example Kade left for me is to be a better person. He showed me that always looking at the good in any situation will bring forth happiness. Through his contagious personality I have learned that love and happiness and the keys to living the best life.
I know the situation that has been presented is difficult but through his legacy we can all live like Kade. I don’t believe there is anyone who will ever truly match the personality of him but we can all now try and live our lives like him. Live by the standards that God blesses him with and learn to find happiness, even in the darkest of times. I will leave you with a verse from the New Testament: John 10:11. Just as Christ loved humanity, so did Kade. The Lord is always there for you.
-Camden Waite