How can I even start? If given the time I could right a post longer than Steven King’s novels about Kim and that still wouldn’t do justice by her. She is my better half (I know her post says differently, but trust me on this one.)
Kim and I have been best friends since we were born, pretty much inseparable our whole lives until college. She grew up playing sports with me but also excelled in various other areas such as guitar, painting, writing, and learning. Something so unique about Kim is her wicked passion for learning. I remember that in high school she would spend hours teaching me the topics that I struggled with and find a way to show me the why of what we were learning and not just the what. I remember she came home one day on fire about a movie that they had watched in class that day “—-” and was aghast that the rest of her class wasn’t as appalled as she was by the injustice portrayed in the movie. Kim has always seen the injustices of the world not as insurmountable obstacles but as calls for us to persevere and help others using the talents we were given. She has a heart of gold, but do not let that fool you into thinking she is sheepish or timid. Kim has always been about doing the right thing; she is gentle yet also assertive and will settle for nothing less than what is fair. She recognizes that many things cannot be solved over night so she makes a point to investigate ideas and plans, working in her quiet hours on problems at large.
Through pursuing her passion for learning and helping others Kim has won many great awards and accolades, and, while they are all a great honor, they are not what makes Kim as amazing as she is. She is much more than just her accomplishments. She makes the world a better place for all who she encounters, just by being genuine and really living in that moment with them. When you talk to Kim you feel like you’re really being seen and heard, possibly for the first time. She has that way about her. She looks you in the eyes and doesn’t miss a detail. She makes you feel important, encouraging that what you say and do matters. She helps you believe that its okay to feel whatever you feel, and care about whatever it is you do. She will support, encourage, and help you in away way she can. For me, she is how I imagine God is listening to and loving us all.
I have never met anyone like Kim, and if you ever meet her I bet you will think the same thing. She has the kindest and purest heart I have ever encountered, and she unabashedly lets it shine through. She also chooses to have unrelenting faith in people, and uses this as a strength. This takes greater courage and hope than most of us can muster, yet she never lets it cease, no matter what life throws her way.
When I grow up, I hope to be like Kim.
bold brookings & brews 