Monday, August 25, 2008

My Friend Keith


My best friend in High School was Keith Shumway. He was an amazing guy and so much fun to be around. He had this great smile that was so contagious and could make even the worst of days seem not so bad. I called him Fathead, and he called me Fathead. I can't remember why, but it was always something that we did.


He was such a great friend. He helped me through many hard times in my life, and I'm eternally grateful for his friendship. He was always supportive of me no matter what. We ran track together. We had every single class together our senior year. It was so much fun! When I came home from Ecuador, it was hard adjusting to life here. I remember calling him crying, and he walked me through all the great things I had to be grateful for. It helped me so much.


He would constantly practice Spanish with me. He served a two year mission in Mexico as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served with all his might. He truly loved the Lord and gave 100 percent in everything he did. His mother passed away while he was on his mission and I remember how strong he was. He didn't come home early but served out his two years with strength and optimism. I remember him telling me how much he felt his mother with him every step of the way. I have always admired him for this strength.


He was attending school at Southern Utah University in Cedar City and just recently graduated. He was going to be a Doctor! I was so proud of him. He kept going with school even though it was tough, he wanted more than anything to be able to help and serve people. He gave his all in everything he did.


He was a husband. He married his wife Lisa in 2005. Oh how he adored her! I remember him calling me to tell me he was going to ask her to marry him. He was so excited and so happy that he could barley contain himself. He loved her so much.


He was also a father. His son, Landon, was born in May of this year. He is adorable and looks just like him. I know he was a perfect father.


I'm telling you this because on August 22, 2008 my friend Keith died in a plane crash. I'm so sad and he will be greatly missed. He was my best friend and was always there for me. I will always remember him and all that he did for me. I know that he is with God and is watching out for his family. He will be missed.


*If any of you would like to leave a condolence for his family there is a website here.


You can donate to help pay for memorial services for Keith. The fund has been set up in his name, Keith Shumway memorial fund at any Wells Fargo branch or you can call 1-800-869-3557.

10 comments:

jacquie said...

oh cami i'm so sorry for your loss. i saw this story on the news. please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jeanette said...

I am so very very sorry for your loss! It's so hard sometimes to understand why these things happen and there are so many reasons why he is needed here, but his calling on the other side must be even greater.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.

{{{Hugs}}} I am sorry for your pain =0(

Los Alexander said...

So sad!, when I saw the picture of that little baby I got in tears, I'm glad he is going to know how great his dad was, through all his friends including you.
I also love to know that "Families are Forever"

Anonymous said...

Cami, that was a beautiful tribute to your friend. It really touched my heart. You have lost something so special, but he'll always be with you- your memories are priceless.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sad, too, and will miss Keith. I have funny memories of you and him and that makes it a little easier. Thanks for remembering him on your blog. Love, Mom

jacquie said...

cami, you asked about the pattern for the whirlygiggles quilt...i used the tutorial on greeting arts blog. here is the link:
http://greetingarts.typepad.com/greetingarts/2008/02/whirlygiggles-a.html

Rebekah said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

satomblablabla said...

Cami,

I was so happy to hear from you... and then I read this post. I was in absolute tears when I read it out loud to my husband. Did I meet Keith? I feel like I did because when you described your story about practicing spanish with him and as I studied his picture, I swear I remember meeting him. Wasn't he a really sweet and soft spoken guy? In any case, I am deeply sorry for you and this tragedy that has apparently affected so many people. I said a prayer for you and his other friends and his family tonight. All my best.

Crafty Christina said...

Oh Cami! I'm so sorry to hear about this. I can't even imagine what a heartbreak this is for everyone touched by Keith.

Anonymous said...

Cami, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing someone you love is nothing short of devastating. You and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.