“You Got This”
On the starting blocks, Kendall and her teammates would focus on the electric blue opportunity that rippled before them..
“You Got This!” Kendall’s favorite encouraging phrase fueled her own passion and that of her teammates in and out of the pool…
Kendall’s mother Kim and sister Taylor were always by her side. Attending countless swim meets, making treasured memories on travels and supporting each other in the little ways of everyday life.
Kim… Kendall… Taylor…
Better together… the three of them forever.
Kendall’s contagious passion to pursue her goals in life went far beyond breaking records. An accomplished swimmer with Olympic dreams, Kendall was humble and aside from her record breaking swimming talent, most known for her kindness. The type of kindness that makes the world a better place and inspires the hearts of everyone around her.
No one expected her bright future on earth to be outside of her strong body.
On December 15th 2020 Kendall passed away. Kim, Taylor, teammates, friends, and the world that knew Kendall were shocked and heartbroken. Day by day Kendall’s loved ones would start to see and feel her spirit touching every little thing in a new way.
“You Got This”
The color purple, heart clouds, black rubber bands, Ks, dogs, songs, dimes…so so many signs…
When Kim opens her eyes every morning she hears Kendall’s voice in her heart encouraging her to spread her light and love that still shines bright and has purpose. “You got this!”
At the first Together at Peace Memory Mile in 2021, just 5 months after Kendall’s passing, I met Kim. With an angelic poster of her daughter and surrounded by loved ones, Kim’s calming presence and bright spirit illuminated when she talked about Kendall. Walking together, sharing stories, and taking selfies at reflection stops, Kendall’s love blessed an image at the “Signs of Peace” balloon reflection stop with floating Purple Hearts from Heaven.
A sign… Hope…
Kim’s days are full of Hope… what signs will she find… What ways can she share Kendall’s light and spread kindness together with her spirit… her uplifting mission, while forever grieving, is a powerful gift for Kendall’s friends, family, and the world. Tears still fall but Kim turns them into prayers. Kim has faith…faith in eternal love and faith in the fortitude to find peace in the pain of loss and purpose in spreading Kendall’s light.
Every time I talk with Kim and Kendall’s loved ones I get the good chills as they speak of her kindness, ambition, and inspiring spirit they still feel today. Kendall sends them all many signs and her friends share these stories of hope and connection with Kim. These little messages of hope are Kim’s most treasured gifts of Kendall’s living legacy.
Last year Kim and Taylor each designed unique and meaningful tattoos to signify that Kendall is flying high but also forever a part of them, filling their hearts with strength, hope and perseverance to make a difference in this world. Taylor was inspired to place her tattoo on her bicep because she and Kim call Kendall “our strong angel” and Kim chose to place hers near her heart. Inked and linked.
…Together at Peace…
“You Got This”
Balloons, lanterns, KP Invitational, Memory Miles, “You got this!” award, and Heavenly birthday scavenger hunt… just to name a few...
Kim gathers with loved ones on the anniversary of Kendall’s passing every year to release purple balloons or lanterns. Tangible love, heaven sent, releasing the pain this date brings. Better together through Tears. Prayers… Connection… Comfort… New memories…
August 2021 KP Swim Invitational and Memory Mile… I was blessed to help Kim plan a Memory Mile in honor of Kendall’s senior year and a swim invitational that was named in her honor…
The things we create on earth become presents. With markers in hand, illustrating encouragement on the pages of a spiral notebook, Kendall couldn’t have known the impact of a polka dot present she would leave behind. The pages of this notebook inspired the theme of her Memory Mile.
A logo of Kindness was created with her sister Taylor’s tattoo, Purple Heart stones, Dimes at a wishing well, and Kindness cards to share… the event came alive with Kendall’s spirit inspiring the design.
Hundreds of people gathered on a beautiful sunny day to walk alongside Kim and Kendall’s loved ones to honor her life on earth and her continued presence in their hearts. From the track, we headed inside for the start of the KP Invitational swim meet.
Across the pool I watched new memories flood the hearts of Kendall’s teammates, family and friends. Love glistened on the still blue water, as we watched a remembrance video, listened to one of her best friends, Aubrey, sing the National anthem, and hear Kim’s words… Arms over shoulders we held space for Kendall’s spirit, alive in our hearts.
Each year Kim awards a member of the high school swim team the “You Got This!” award. This special award recognizes someone who is a leader and a cheerleader both in and out of the pool. Their kindness and empathy motivates everyone around them. Hard work, determination and loyalty have earned them notable achievements today and will provide a solid foundation to build on as they look to the future and pursue their goals with passion!
February 16, 2023… Happy Heavenly Birthday Kendall! Kim planned a special birthday scavenger hunt for her friends to take memorable photos and enjoy some of Kendall’s favorite things! They gathered at the bench dedicated to Kendall just outside the high school pool to find a “You got this!” Teddy bear to start. Together they followed the clues and created new memories at each special stop collecting treasures to cherish and enjoying a Starbucks cake pop before heading to their final stop at Ian’s place, a healing space for bereaved parents where Kim has found fellowship and hope. Gathered together, Kim and Kendall’s friends shared a birthday dinner of her favorite foods. A Heaven Scent candle flickered among them symbolizing the light of Kendall’s love and revealed the inspiring note of Hope…
“You Got This”
There are so many ways Kendall lives on, even inside the hearts of those who never met her, like me, but have the honor of knowing her spirit.
