Kent Alan Lilly ~ A Celebration of His Life

In Loving Memory of
Kent Alan Lilly
Born: May 27, 1958 - Heaven Bound: April 22, 2004

Letter From Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go....
from that body to be free, remember you're not going.....
you're coming here to me.

~Author~ Ruth Ann Mahaffey
�Copyright 1998
Written in memory of her late husband, Richard Mahaffey

Kent at 6 months.

My Kent
Your Celebration of Life

This day is a tribute to you my son, your celebration of life. A tribute to a son who had so much love and caring for his mom and family. Who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus who carried you through all your recovery program and during the trials and hard work which you so earnestly sought and worked for and...
Mr. Kent you "got it"!

My son left us on April 22nd and went home to his heavenly mansion. I was always so proud of you my Kent - we went through many ups and downs but you always pulled yourself back up and went forward. I commend you
for all your strength in so doing.

I never once thought I would face this day of giving you back to the Lord. You were given to me for forty-five years and I loved and cared for you from day one. Forty-five years seems like such a short time to be with your family.
Your beautiful smile and personality drew people to you.

Our little family.

Me with my 3 precious children, Kent on the left, Darla and Craig.

As a little boy you were so inquisitive and so accident prone they knew us by name in the emergency room. You had such fun playing with your sister and brother and all your friends - riding bikes, little league and all the fun things little boys like to do... oh yes, teasing your sister and brother happened at times. You had so many friends in your teenage years and brought all your friends home,
I was known as "Mom" to them and I loved it.

Kent loved oil painting and painted this picture when he was only 8 years old.

Kent as a teenager, with Mom.

Kent in the Army.

You left for the army and I was very proud of you. You wanted to be an E.M.T., and I told you, "Kent, if that is what you want to do, go for it." And guess what, you did become an Emergency Medical Technician on 911 calls for Foothill Ambulance and also worked with Cordova Ambulance. You had an excellent reputation and had letters of appreciation. You even saved a little boy's life as you were the first E.M.T at the scene and his family thanked you very much.
You were always so willing to help anyone and placed others before yourself.

Kent is in front of his ambulance here and so happy...

I was so proud of you and loved you every day of my life. You left us with no warning - a day I will never forget when I heard the sad news. You were a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing you and everyone loved you who came in contact with you. We will miss your silly ways of a karate chop on the shoulder when you'd say Hi, or your "What if I did this to you, what would you do?" So many things and sayings, that was you my Kent. How you called me two, three times a day. Calling me about the Kings games, so many things
that would take forever to list.

You saw good in everyone, My Kent, I know your spirit will be with us and my love for you will be carried in my heart always. I will miss you so very much and the pain is almost too much to bear, but I know we will be together again, never more to be separated. I love you my Kent and was so proud and happy to see how you were setting goals and going forward in your life. Your work was done and the Lord called you home. Now you're with our Lord, free and happy. You left us but your spirit is with each and every one of us who knew you and loved you... you will always be remembered. This is not good-bye my son...
it is "until we meet again"... all of us together.

LOVE,
Your "Mom Bob"
(My special nickname you gave me)

My Mom Is A Survivor

My Mom is a survivor
or so I've heard it said.
But I can hear her crying at night
when all others are in bed.

I watch her lay awake at night
and go to hold her hand
But doesn't know I'm with her
to help her understand.

But like the sands on the beach
that never wash away...
I watch over my surviving Mom
who thinks of me each day.

She wears a smile for others...
a smile of disguise!
But through Heaven's door
I see tears flowing from her eyes.

My Mom tries to cope with death;
To keep my memory alive.
But anyone who knows her knows
it is her way to survive.

As I watch over my surviving Mom
through Heaven's open door...
I try to tell her that angels
protect me forevermore!

I know that doesn't help her,
or ease the burden she bears.
So, if you get a chance, go visit her.
Show her that you care.

For no matter what she says...
no matter what she feels.
My surviving Mom has a broken heart
that time won't ever heal.
Written by Kaye Des'Ormeaux

Kent with me (his sister and niece are in the background here).

Kent with me and his brother Craig.

This picture of Jesus holding the lamb on His shoulder was Kent's favorite... he carried it in his wallet and said "that was Jesus carrying him when he had hard times."

Kent loved the movie Dances With Wolves, so we made sure to have lots of wolves on this page and also the theme music from the movie
is playing on here as well...

Homesick
Words and Music by Burt Millard
Performed by Mercy Me

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Kent(on left), his cousin Sheri, his brother Craig and myself, having a good time.

Kent with Mom and niece Faith at Christmas 2003.

Kent on the right with me and his brother Craig.

Homeward Bound

He walks in gracious splendor
Love's Shadow we remember
Steps are here to guide us
Majestically with calmness

Gentle as the softest breeze
Arms will gently hold with ease
Carry us to heaven's Light
Darkness never fills the night

Visions of love's power
Each minute of the hour
Heaven filled with wonder
His smile so warm and tender

Come with Me to start anew
This Paradise I give to you
Gardens of magnificence
Fragrant flower's brilliance

Faces of those waiting
With hearts anticipating
Walk within their presence
Love in each remembrance

Hearts are joined in heaven
Jesus now has led them
Holding on so tightly
Souls now flying lightly

Walk within His footsteps
Reaching heaven's doorstep
Children Of His Glory
Each one of us His story.

Francine Pucillo
�used with permission
Read more of Francine's poetry here:
POETRY~EMOTION

I LIT A CANDLE

I lit a candle for you today
May its light reflect my love your way
So great you are upon my mind
I had to stop and give you my time

I thought of the memories we shared together
Enjoying the company of one another
I am glad for the time we had
Now without you I am so sad

My talks to you, now only goes one way
I'm sure you hear me up Heaven's way
I'd give anything to have you talk back to me
Oh what a comfort that would be

I lit a candle for you today
May its light reflect my love your way
Now I must go until next time
I will forever keep you gently on my mind
By Doyle Alldredge @2005

My Kent, you will always be in our hearts...

I was so proud to have had you for the 45 years but the time was too short... I was so proud of you my Kent and part of me went with you... but we will all be together one day... and what a reunion that will be... never more to be separated. My love for you will forever be carried within my heart in a very special place... our special bond has not been broken... my love for you My Kent will always be in a "special place in my heart." I love you and miss you so much My Kent...
I was proud to say you were my son...
Love forever,
Your "Mom Bob"

This DVD was the Celebration of Life for my Angel Kent....A tribute to him that he so deserved. He was loved by all and our bond was so special and will always be...that invisible cord that God gives to us that is invisible to all here on earth but it is only seen from heaven above the love that forever flows between mother and child...My Kent will always be with me in spirit until such time we meet at the heavenly gates and what a reunion that will be!

The Cord

We are connected,
My child and I, by
An invisible cord
Not seen by the eye.

It's not like the cord
That connects us 'til birth
This cord can't been seen
By any on Earth.

This cord does it's work
Right from the start.
It binds us together
Attached to my heart.

I know that it's there
Though no one can see
The invisible cord
From my child to me.

The strength of this cord
Is hard to describe.
It can't be destroyed
It can't be denied.

It's stronger than any cord
Man could create
It withstands the test
Can hold any weight.

And though you are gone,
Though you're not here with me,
The cord is still there
But no one can see.

It pulls at my heart
I am bruised...I am sore,
But this cord is my lifeline
As never before.

I am thankful that God
Connects us this way
A mother and child
Death can't take it away!
~ author unknown

I cannot tell you how very much I appreciate your offering to do this web site for me. It is so special and so meaningful... I cannot put it into words the appreciation I have for you to do this for me... God has blessed you so much and it reaches out to all of us who have lost our precious children and is such a memorial
to our children...
Thank you again Maria.