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We have gathered together this afternoon to celebrate the life of Kent
Purcell Barker Jr. That's quite a mouthful, Kent Purcell
Barker
Jr. That's a fairly formal name, serious,
dignified. The
only problem is that it doesn't fit Kip. Kip was not formal, serious and dignified. Kip loved to tease. He was definitely not a "type A" personality, not competitive, but compassionate toward his fellow man. He wanted to help people. When he was released from the hospital last week, he was very positive, very much up. He had been an inspiration for those he interacted with while in the hospital. He wanted to help others. He loved the outdoors, loved the cabin north of Virginia, and loved to fish. A neighbor at the cabin, Roger, taught Kip how to fish many years ago. And every time Kip went to the cabin, he and Roger would go fishing. He loved children and animals. He enjoyed one-on-one encounters but did not feel comfortable in large groups. He was just a kid at heart. He became very animated when he trained as a graphics artist. He was very disappointed when he couldn't find employment in his chosen field. The joy of Kip's life for the last five years was his daughter, McKenna. He doted on McKenna. McKenna, his Little Star, his Princess. He and McKenna and Melissa, McKenna's mother, would often go swimming at the complex where Kip lived. When Kip knew they were coming over, he would bring all the pool toys down so they would be there when McKenna arrived. Including an inflatable toy, Tina ("who is a hippo" McKenna added), which he would put around himself to carry down to the pool to the great delight of anyone who would happen to see him so clothed. He and McKenna would often go for long walks. They both loved Fear Factor and would exchange thoughts and opinions about each episode of the program. The was mutual unconditional love between the two. But there was also a dark side to Kip. He was consumed by the demon of depression. And that demon led to others. We all have demons of one kind or another. Every one of us. My particular demon is pain, unrelenting pain. It would be so easy to let the little white pills consume the demon and consume me in the process and create new demons. I've been lucky. So far. We can't judge anyone else's demons. We can't know how we would react if we faced the demon that someone else struggles with. Christ did not rebuke the man consumed by demons. Christ rebuked the demons and saved the man. Likewise we cannot rebuke the man who is consumed by demons. But we can rebuke the demons. Not the man, only the demons. Kip is now at peace. His demons have been vanquished. He has achieved that which we all long for. He is at peace. McKenna, your father loved you. He is not with us anymore but he still lives in your heart and in your memory. Cherish the memory. Cherish the good times you had with your father. Cherish the love he had for you. You are very lucky to have had such a loving father. Your father is now in a better place without pain, without suffering. Don't be sad for him. Be sad for yourself that you have lost a loving father. But he is and always will be watching out for you. He will always love you. Amen. |