Monday, November 19, 2007

"Ashland High School assistant football coach and Bellview Elementary fifth grade teacher David Kitchell passed away early Sunday morning after losing a long battle with cancer.
Kitchell was long regarded as one of the elementary school's most popular teachers. Students of all ages often looked forward to his overnight field trips. But he was also a cornerstone of the Ashland High School football team since the 1980s."

This is a sad day today in the Abel family. Dave Kitchell was the coach who got William and Blake to be waterboys for the varsity football team the past years and was Blake's third grade teacher and now was Blake's fifth grade teacher. He is a wonderfull, kind teacher and friend to Blake and Will and many others. The story is here: http://www.dailytidings.com/2007/1119/stories/1119_kitchell.php Many of the kids in Greg's seminary class know Dave's daughter who is a junior in High School. This has been an opportunity to teach the plan of salvation to the children but parting is such sweet sorrow. While I teach to my son the grand vision of the plan of happiness, I am caught up in the depth of my own sorrows. I grieve for and with Blake, I grieve for Dave's family and Blake's classmates and for the loss of Dave's friendship. Many times I have sat with Mr. Kitchell and discussed my son, other sons, football and life. I can still see in my mind the last time we spoke and remember the things he said. The world has lost the benefit of a great man. Thomas Paine, in a time not unlike our own, defined Dave Kitchell: " I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death." Thomas Paine.

2 comments:

Shalyse said...

OH that is SO sad! I remember you guys praying for him. Give Blakers a big hug from us! What a difficult thing for your boys to have to go through...you are a great mom, I know you'll be there for them.

Mama Mia said...

So sorry to hear this! Hope you had a good Thanksgiving Holiday!