Remembering Keith

Until yesterday this post was called "Sixtastic Years" in celebration of Natalie's 6th birthday and was filled with photos and funny things she has said to me over the years.  However, all that changed when I received a call from my brother that would remind me just how fragile and fleeting life can be.  He called to tell me that someone my family loved and cared about had passed.  Although death is a part of life, when it happens to someone you know and care about, it is always shocking...especially when that person was healthy and young and full of life.  His name was Keith.  He was 41 years old and the greatest joy in his life was being a husband and spending time with his 13 year old twin boys, Joey and Charlie.

I met him nearly 25 years ago in my high school Spanish II class.  I called him Diego and he called me Anita.  He was a fun-loving guy with a zany sense of humor and a passion for playing soccer.  He went on to marry my cousin, Molly, and has been a constant in our family's life for more than two decades.  Joking around and poking fun at himself was like breathing for him.  He doted on Molly and was always active in the boys' lives.  He was like a big kid himself.  He loved to play sports and video games and dressing up at parties...oftentimes he put on a red suit and a jolly grin to entertain kids at Christmas, but one of the funniest times I remember is when he dressed up as Cousin Eddie at my cousin, Liz's annual holiday party.

It's hard to believe he is no longer with us.  He was loved by so many.  Below are some photos that capture his zest for life and laughter.  Rest in Peace, Keith.

Shi**ers Full says Cousin Eddie

His pride and joy

Calendar pose

Molly and Keith aka Flava Flav

Keith and the boys on vacation

Keith with the love of his life.