#ripkylie

These were two of the toughest days I've ever experienced. The last time I was in Grande Prairie, Alberta, it was for a joyous occasion; Kylie Bain's Grade 12 Grad. I returned on Friday to help bury that same person. Kylie is someone who touched the lives of many, including my own. I met her in physiotherapy. She received a double lung transplant around the same time I received my heart transplant. We were both on the adult side of things, but the youngest ones working on our fitness. I think it was our youth that bonded us. I don't recall exactly how we met, but it's said that it was her birthday the day I met her and I wished her a happy birthday.


Kylie and I shared a love of Harry Potter, and a love of younger sounding music. In other words, it was us against all the older patients in an on-going struggle for control of the radio down at rehab. Through rehab, I met her parents, Kevin and Trish Bain. Later I would find out about her little sister Shaley and older brother Jason. Kylie's family is very strong and close, just like mine. I think that's why I took a liking to them so quickly. We quickly became friends after that, exchanging Facebook info and cell phone numbers. Anytime she was at the hospital, I'd try and visit. If I couldn't, I'd text. She did the same.


In October of 09, Kylie sent me a message and asked me to be her escort for her grad in Grande Prairie. I was more than honored. In those couple months of getting to know her, I really looked up to her and her positive outlook on life, despite her transplant, hospital stays, diabetes and cystic fibrosis. Not everyone going through hardships was as open minded as Kylie. That's what made her so special to me. She just got it. 


We kept in touch until Grad, of course, and my fondest memory of that day is when her teachers called out her name and Kylie was given an uproarious standing ovation. Clearly, everyone there was aware of what kind of person she was and they all respected that. I was told stories of her past, having to carry around oxygen tanks in the 4th grade, and it was such a joy to see her without tubes or anything restricting her.


This summer, Kylie made it back to the hospital, and I would visit and text as much as I could. Sometimes I don't know if it was enough. We talked a lot about Florida, Disney World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Being n the hospital, Kylie and the Bain fam also were granted a wish to Florida. WWOHP wasn't there the two times they went, but they filled me in on all the other attractions and things to do when I went. When I returned, Kylie had gotten worse. In her last days, I was there everyday visiting, praying, sometimes with the family and hoping and wishing she would get that 2nd double lung transplant she told me about in January. On Saturday , I was a pallbearer for Kylie's funeral. It was a tough honour. The Bain's have become another family to me and I'm glad I could help them lay dear Kylie into Eternal Peace.


We'll never understand why, but God had a different plan for Kylie. Because she has fulfilled and completed her job on Earth, she has been called back to His heavenly kingdom. Right now, I feel robbed. And many other emotions. I try and take comfort in all the memories I've shared with Kylie though, and know that now she is watching over me and her family and everyone she came in contact with. Kylie Marie is someone I will never EVER forget. Thank you Kylie for coming into my life and making me a better person. I Love You Kylie.


Take Care & Much Love
David The Recipient