Kevin and Kevin
The forgotten stories of the war in Iraq came full circle for me this past weekend while in Fort
Myers, Florida, thus begins the story of Kevin and Kevin.
Kevin Waruinge was a young Kenyan who came to this country with his parents from Kenya. He
loved his adopted country and joined the marines. He was dispatched to Iraq and on August 3,
2005, he was killed. He was 21. Kevin Ndiangui was also a young Kenyan who came to this
country with his dad. He exemplified himself to his community and his church. He went to the
University of Connecticut, graduated with honors and planned go to medical school. On a rainy
December night last year he was killed in a traffic accident in Florida. He was 23.
These are stories that will only engage a few words in the news paper, but these were real sons of
people who emigrated here and have given to this country, more than most. Receiving a military
flag is impressive, but that does not ease the pain of a mother and a father who shall never again
hug their son lost in a war they never understood, but never stood in the way when their son
wanted to serve.
Meeting with the parents of Kevin Waruinge last week, there was an unspeakable pain from
them that time will not heal so soon. Their pain is even more compounded by the constant noise
of death and pain of other mothers and fathers as they too grieve, without much support from
them who sent them. A check or kinds words help, but the pain remains. What word could I tell
them in our worship together? Yes, I came into town with my homily and words, and while
comforting they still had to drive home to the pain of an empty room in their home and hearts.
We cannot forget the pain of Patrick and Rose Waruinge, theirs is unbearable, but in the end all
we can do is show them the kindness that we share, and give them a word of encouragement to
go on and remember the blessing that Kevin brought them. You too can share a word with them,
not to say you know how they feel (you don't) but one where their pain can be eased if it is just
for a moment. Write them a note, perhaps your word can be of comfort waruinge07@yahoo.com
So too is the pain of Peter Ndiangui. His son Kevin was an honor student at the University of
Connecticut. He wanted to be a doctor, he loved the arts, and classical music and was
distinguishing himself as an actor. He brought a smile to everyone he met, and he was out going.
Yet the night of December 27th saw the end of a life that only God knows where it could have
gone. Peter's pain is no less than that brought on by war, this was his only son, his joy, his heart.
Asked Peter, "How can I go on? How can I live with the constant memory of this loss? He was
supposed to bury me, not me him." Peter's pain can only be described as a father lost
searching for an answer to his pain.
Again what words could I tell him? That it will be alright and walk away? That does not ease the
pain, but my words of comfort brought a measure of peace if only for a moment. The loss of a
child is never a happy moment, no matter the circumstances of that loss, it is a heart wrenching
pain, that touches the very core of human faith and echoes Rabbi Kushner's quote, "Why do bad
things happen to good people?"
Peter is a teacher and he uses the death of his son to teach other kids the dangers of life, always
encouraging them to be the best that they can be. You can also send a word of encouragement to
Peter PNdiangui3@aol.com
Here in this area Wanda is an Alzheimers patient 87 years old that I often visit. Her daughter
died a month ago. Although she does not know me now (she used to be my neighbor and I have
had many wonderful meals in her home) but last week as I was about to visit, her pastor asked
me not to mention that her daughter (54) died. Not that she would known what I was talking
about, she has not known her daughter and son for the past five years, but perhaps to tell her of
the death, even at this stage might be devastating.
Peter took me to the airport on Sunday, his parting words, "I am glad you came." Perhaps I
brought and left a measure of comfort. Some say death is an ugly monster, it is not. It is the
necessary end that will come when it will come. But when it comes too soon, it rips the faith of
those who have to bear it and live with it for the rest of their days.We invite your prayers for
Kevin and Kevin. May the souls of departed rest in peace.
Let us pray.
O lord we know not why these disasters befall us, we cannot understand the pain of it all, but we
shall not lose faith in you, we shall not hide behind the rock of defeat, but live and exemplify the
joy that your love gave to us to encourage others to live. Give peace to Peter, Patrick and Rose,
may their sadness find the door of peace, this we ask through