Our Son died on his own battlefield. He was killed in action fighting a civil war. He fought against adversaries that were as real to him as he casket is real to us. They were powerful adversaries. They took toll of his energies and endurance. They exhausted his last vestiges of his courage and strength. At last these adversaries overwhelmed him and it appeared he had lost the war. But did he? I see a host of victories he has won. For one thing, he has won our admiration because even if he lost the war, we give him credit for his bravery on the battlefield. And we give him credit for the courage and pride and hope that he used as his weapons as long as he could. We shall remember not his death but his daily victories gained through his kindness and thoughtfulness, his love for family and friends, animals, books and music, for all things beautiful and honorable. We shall remember not his last day of defeat but we shall remember the many days he was victorious over the overwhelming odds. We shall remember not the many years we thought he had left, but the intensity with which he lived the years he had. Only God knows what this child of his suffered in the silent skirmishes that took place in his soul. But our consolation is that God does know and understands.
Kevin after he received his Airborne wings summer 2002...seemed so happy and proud!
The Jeff and Kevin Graham Memorial Fund was established following Kevin's death to provide education awareness of depression and suicide prevention at the University of Kentucky and later we started an additional program at Cameron University. The QPR (Question, Persuade, Respond) program is the primary vehicle used to accomplish this. Many have contributed and others have asked how they can help. Donations can be designated and sent to the Jeff and Kevin Graham Memorial Fund at either address below:
University of Kentucky Cameron University Office of VP for Student Affairs VP for University Advancement ATTN: Shawn Ray ATTN: Bob Milner 529 Petterson Office Tower 2800 West Gore Blvd Lexington, KY 40506-0027 Lawton, OK 73505-6377 (859) 257-1911 (580) 581-2999
Thank you for helping us to help others. Our hope is that others will learn how to identify someone suffering from depression and to assist him or her in getting help. Our additional goal is to help prevent another person from taking his or her life.
Kevin was the one so many held on to for everything. When we needed someone to share with and cry with or laugh with he was the one. He loved his brother Jeff more than himself and loved and adored his special, younger sister Melanie most of all. He never ever wanted to disappoint anyone. His special caring heart was just too big for this world. We miss you Corky; every second of every minute of every hour of every day.
Kevin with girlfriend Heather in San Pedro, Calif - 2000
Jeff, Kevin and Melanie at the Great Wall of China - Dec 2001
