February 15, 2014: Kevin's Funeral

I was supposed to go to Becky Ruger Stowe's wedding reception last night, but with how I felt, I decided not to go.   I got to see photos on Facebook that were posted by her husband, John.   She looked so beautiful.    Becky said she had been praying for me all week.  

I really wanted to be there for Kelsey & Matt today at Matt's brother, Kevin's funeral.   Matt's 35 year old brother, Kevin VanZanten, died on Monday from myloma (cancer of the blood).   He was diagnosed in September 2012.  Kevin left behind a wife and 2 daughters, ages 3 & 5.  Kevin had been a captain of Richard Devos's yachts and traveled all over with him.   He was good at fixing boats.  His hard work gained Mr. Devos's respect so he was hired.  He got to help design some of the yachts that the Devos family bought, including carpeting, interior design, etc.   Kevin ordered the food and alcohol for the trips.  Mr. Devos sent him to captain school in Traverse City for a month.

Kelsey was so happy we came to the funeral.  I got to see Devon all dressed up in a shirt and tie.   His girlfriend, Taylor, came too.   Devon and Matt were very close to Kevin.  Kevin dressed up like a geeky Matt for one Halloween.  He wore Grandpa Thomas's apricot leisure suit which was very funny.

I had a nice conversation with my Uncle Steve about my battle with anxiety and depression that has occurred this past week.  He said there was a class of drugs back in 1985 that made people commit suicide, which I think is what my dad was taking before he died.