9.12.23

Taking a memory or a feeling and putting it into words isn’t easy… but I like trying.

Early this past June, a few members of the Marquette Lacrosse staff went to lunch with our friend Kurt. Kurt was sixteen years old and had been battling a terminal illness for a while. We loved Kurt.

After we finished eating, my friend Jake asked Kurt a peculiar question, “Kurt, what has been the best part of your illness?” Kurt immediately started listing all the ways people have supported him and the amazing gifts he’s received from friends and family. As Kurt polished off his answer, with a smirk and a laugh, he added, “In other words, the free sh*t ain’t bad!” I’m pretty sure I had some of my Chick-Fil-A vanilla shake coming out of my nose I laughed so hard. Kurt had such a witty sense of humor for a kid who had been dealt such a tough hand – what a light he was.

Then Jake followed up his opening question with his next one, “What’s been the toughest part about being sick?” Kurt’s face stiffened up and he paused for a few seconds. In his soft but shaky voice he explained, “The toughest part has been seeing how it has affected the lives of those around me (and he nodded towards his mom). It makes me sad to know my sickness creates a burden for them.” He had such a special heart – so selfless and caring.

This Sunday would have been Kurt’s seventeenth birthday.

Kurt had cancer physically breaking his bones, but he was filled with so much joy. The sorrow of this thought is what caused tears to flow down my cheeks when I learned he had passed away. However, I do know that God promises to one day make all things new.

My friend Kurt is no longer in pain. He is no longer sick. He has been made new. The peace and joy of knowing Kurt has been restored to the way he was created to be is what caused the tears to flow a little quicker that day. Now I have peace and continue on in hope that one day God will do for me what he has done for my dear friend Kurt – make all things new.

I’m not sure why Kurt had to go through so much pain. I’ve learned God doesn’t always give us the answers we seek. Even Kurt had questions. The priest who spoke at Kurt’s funeral talked about how he would visit Kurt and be flooded with thought provoking questions about God and the life of faith. Kurt wanted to know more about the God who loves him so much. I want to be more like that. Now Kurt lives in the presence of God and every question he ever had has been given a perfect answer.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” – Revelation 21:4-5