Monday, June 30, 2008

to kc

your girl sarah, as beautiful as can be, has made us proud, has made us laugh, has been so strong, for you KC
the people you know, the love you spread, the hearts you've touched and the words you've said
this is all so clear, when all is so unclear, when the best we can do, is hold close, the ones who are dear
your girl sarah, as beautiful as can be, will not be left stranded, i promise this, to you KC

and to gail and tucker, ike and rufus,  jenni and dillon. your angels, your family, the other loves of your life
there are no words for you, but thankyous. I will always be a helping hand to you, and will forever hold you dear to my heart. just as you have stayed so dear to his hart.

xx k xx

Saturday, June 28, 2008

I just bought you a beer, Jerky

Hey KC,
I just went to the Beachwood and had a High Life and left one on the bar for you. I'm sure you'd be annoyed if I got too sentimental, so I'll keep it sentient and mental. I want to commemerate you somehow (I know I misspelled it I just don't feel like fixing it) so I've got two ideas; I want to do a beautiful chalkboard at Pontiac for you, that will stay up there for a very, very l9ng time, that your friends can come by and see laugh about. And I want to write you a country song. I promise it won't be too maudlin.
Stay in touch, KC. I'll do what I can to take care of your woman, and our friends. I love you and miss you, and I'll try my best not to see you too soon, and I will keep your stupid laugh ringing in my ears for years.
xo Gina Black

Friday, June 27, 2008

KC, I love you. You are such an inspiration to me. No matter where we are at, Stage 7 or Kickball, you are always there with a smile (even if it is a sh%t-eating grin) and that will never change.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

KC Update

KC's pretty much the same.

Keep your thoughts and prayers coming.

A Conversation About KC

Some of KC's friends have just recorded and posted a podcast about our revered friend, lover, family member, and all around sweet force that is KC Haywood. Our intention is to be celebratory of KC in a heartfelt, respectful, and somewhat playful manner. It was a catharsis for us to tell stories about our friend that we hold in such high regard. We hope that those that listen are similarly affected, and will find our humble podcast t0 be a source of wistful appreciation for KC. Hopefully you'll even laugh a time or two.

Featuring music exclusively from KC's recently recorded album.

We love you, KC! Keep fighting, you magnificent prince!

www.herebedragons.typepad.com

My Friend

When I think of you K.C., so many things come to mind. You are quite possibly THE most vibrant soul I've ever known!
I think of going about my business @ The Corner and being totally blindsided by a tackle, over and over and over. I think that with your broken ankles, this might be the one time I could actually win a wrestling match - and you're sleeping through it! I think of mud-diving at the swimming hole, in the mud that smelled curiously of turpentine. I think of the time that you and Austin talked me into driving home from the swimming hole with no pants, and we really did almost have a wreck because you also talked me into taking all the turns without braking.
More than anything I think about the trip to Chicago! Bad Kitty get off the ground!
I've put John Spencer's Blues Explosion into the c.d. player and can't seem to change it now because it makes me think of you and Ruf. and the days of fun that seemed like they would never end.
I'm praying to ALL the deities for your full recovery.
I love you my friend!
Donna

I have two little prayers and two little rat pets

I have so much to say to you. I know you'll remember someday the first time I saw You again in Chicago, on my first date with Brad, when you were looking for people at the Beachwood and you happened to walk past me, and you thought I looked familiar from some defunct band, & I told I'd introduce you to everyone you'll ever want to know if you and S joined the kickball shindig, and Kirk R will be so mad at you if you don't wake up this summer.
Forget it, or please don't, take all the time you need, little brother. Take all the time you need.
You recently told me I have big balls. Well, I don't in regards to you. If you were alert, of course I'd kick you nthem to wake you up!!!!!!!!!!!! Until then, I'm going to make you the coolest benefit show posters ever. I'm going to seek out out the best screen printers in town (ppppbbbbt!) and collaborate (ppbbbbtttttttttttt!) and get them signed and sell them for money for your head. I may even get the Blacks back together. acoustic.
I have some Ass Panther rookie cards for you when you get back to me,
I love you so much,
and this is going to seeem trite since I haven't been representing Brad the whole time but he's been at my elbow this entire time,
Gina Black

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Update

After Gail, Greg, Sarah and Jenni had a meeting with the doctors there is not much to report.  KC is doing better than last night.  His lungs are still of concern but doctors say the damage is reversible.  There is still hope and everyone is optimistic. Keep sending good thoughts, keep praying and keep your heads up.  All of the energy and love are felt here so keep it coming.

dd

MY BUDDY

Hey You,
I wish I was there and could say these words to you myself, however I know that the person relaying the message will relay it with as much love as I ever could. There has been years and miles between us but you have never left my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers. Remember ourshenanigans? We were the best of buds, brother and sister, I miss you and I cannot wait to see your smiling face. You are hard headed and stubborn and definately a fighter, thats a good combo to pull through this, Scotty did it, you will too. Just wanna recall a few funny moments with you, help you smile a bit, remember when I cut my eyelashes off? and when your 2 front teeth went in to Mys forhead?Remember the pool in the back yard, but it was filled with branches and trees, so we never actually got to swim in it, just played like we were in a forest? We were always doing something, always playing, laughing, just being kids and having fun. I love you much bro, I can't wait for my kids to meet you, so pull through this ok. Dad(Uncle Jim) says he loves you and pull through buddy! I am sending all the positive energy I have your way, so many others are also. I know I sent it and got the right postage so there should be a BIG HUG and KISS coming your way (Auntie Gail if you would please), I love you. Gail and Greg, I love you both, you have been a big part of my life and I am filling my thoughts with you all, with all my love and all my heart. ---NATTY
K.C. - I don't know you but I know your mom so you must be an awesome guy. Two years ago my son went to the bowels of hell and returned after a car accident. Your mom and all my Kansas supporters prayed for him and my family. We're are putting all our prayer power together for you and know that the God of your understanding is looking out for you. To your family: stay strong, take care of yourselves and believe. Love, Debbie W.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

KC Update

KC has taken a turn for the worse this evening and needs your prayers and hopes more than ever. His oxygen is quite low and his pressure is high. They are trying to get his lungs clear and are currently running a cat scan.

Keep him in your prayers!

here and now

arrived in chicago last night around 10:30.
the service today was great.  the beers after were good too.  
right now listening to kc's new album.  it is amazing.

keep thinking up.  keep praying.

dd
Gail,K.C. &Family,

As I looked at the pictues of K.C. on the blog I see in him -- strength of heart, strength of character, strength of spirit, within these are the heart of hope, faith and will. From these come the courage to fight our battles-- in him I see a fighter! I just want you to know that I and many others are keeping you all in our prayers. May God bless you all with Healing, Strength. Courage , Hope and Peace.
Love and Blessings
Dulcie

Aunt Sarah and KC






Just wanted to let you all know that we are thinking of KC constantly.

And we love you, Aunt Sarah!


Love,
Thomas, Kaleigh, Garrett and Braeden

We're there with you!

Hey KC!

Jason and I have been thinking about you constantly and we send you all the strength that we've got - Kansas-style.  Soon we will all be laughing together again.

xoxo...Amber Almanza Wade

Hey Buddy

I love you KC, and I'm thinking about you a million times a day, even when I'm at work pretending to think about things that really don't matter when you put it all in perspective. Xoxo

Monday, June 23, 2008

Hang in there, big man


Just wanted to finally type something positive. Everytime I begin a blog it always turns to either sobby or sad and that ain't what I want here. But after fully recovering from yesterday's big kickball double header (our division clinched the home field advantage for the finals with a victory, KC. Natalie, Jeremy and Turon did us proud.) and a full day of Monday workload, I finally have a chance to express my emotions. Pink, pink, PINK!!! Everywhere. Every team either wore a pink jersey or had a pink band ( it sweat, head or otherwise) all for support of the league's GOON (self-imposed in case you aren't in the kickball realm), MR. KC HAYWOOD.

Bobby and Ryan came up with some wicked awesome shirts that practically everyone in the league bought in support. I don't think I gave this big group of rabble-rousers enough credit before, but this league is a cohesive unit. Especialy when it comes to supporting a fellow member. Hats off to the unofficial kickball league of Chicago. POC was able to gather everyone before the big all-star game and had Sarah say a few words of thanks to us all. We all toasted our kool-aid in your honor big man. Then Aaron figured we needed to break the records wide open and we had ourselves a league wide chicken dance (your concocksion, my good man) for ya. It was a beautiful day all around, despite the rapid hail spurt and a little sprinkle here and there. As we all know from our fairy tales, after the storm comes the pot o' gold. A double (yes,
double) rainbow appeared in the sky. You might be saying, ahem, after all that kool-aid, might it possible be just one rainbow....Nope. Pictures were taken ( I had to check myself). Our pot of gold came in the form of a division victory and all those crazy kickballers thinking positive thoughts in unison for KC. Hang in there, big man.

KC Update

The day started out somewhat tenuous, but he is doing better this evening. His team is being vigilant in keeping his numbers where they need to be. His heart and kidneys are holding their own but his lungs are still congested.

We feel your hearts and prayers.
Pray for healthier lungs and continued good numbers.
Looking forward to Tuesday's service.

Tuesday at 6 PM

I would like anyone who could make it, to come down to the hospital on Tuesday the 24th at 6PM. 
We will be having a private service in chapel for KC.
We are going to learn about the daredevils in the bible, listen to good music and just lift our spirits.
I am not religious, but I believe in KC.
The chaplains have helped me immensely.
I would love to see you there.
Saints and Sinners welcome



Thank you for your love and support.
Sarah

You can do it!

Wow, this is the first word of this I have heard. I am shocked. Please know that my family is wishing you well and we'll pray for a speedy recovery. Get Better!

-Lori, Phil and Fletcher Burress

Keep fighting

Our thoughts are with you all the time.
Keep up the good fight

Love Charlie and Marty

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Everyone was thinking pink for you KC!


Kickball for KC photos
You were on everyone's mind and chest today at kickball!!! We missed you!
I think my new pink KC Haywood shirt is officially my favorite piece of clothing.
Stay strong my friend! We are all with you!



KC update

The pressure on KC's brain would not go down yesterday after trying several drugs, so it was decided to induce a coma with Pentabarb. His pressure has been in the low single digits today (good). His oxygen has fluctuated some as has his temperature. His lungs still have some congestion. He has been on strong antibiotics for several days.

Keep him in your hearts and minds. His medical team says he remains in highly critical condition.

If you have sent flowers, we may have not received them since he is in ICU. We now have permission to receive them in the west 9th floor waiting room of the Neuro Spine ICU in the Feinberg building of Northwestern Memorial hospital, 251 E. Huron. That said, an alternative would be to donate to KC and Sarah at http://www.kchaywood.com.

Feel free to comment or post to the blog. Any one can comment, but the blog requires that you be invited and that you sign in. If you would like to post to the blog, please send an email to kc@riverat.org asking to be invited and we’ll be happy to send you an invitation.

Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers.

Just thinking about our boy this morning...

So, it's Sunday morning and I've just dragged myself out of bed to get ready to play some kickball. The sun is shining and some kind of bird that I wanted to throw rocks at while it was singing at 3am is now brightening the day with it's tunes. By all accounts it's a beautiful day to go and play in the park and one that KC would welcome with open arms.
I look forward to seeing his smiling, hungover face on Sundays. He'll come bounding through the fields on his (sweet-ass) bike, grinning like an idiot, ready to take on anyone lucky enough to get to play us that day.
Once the game gets underway, KC can be counted on to make some juvenile joke or say something hilariously awesome/awful about the kicker and their sexual proclivities. He'll lead the chants of "Fighting Cocks give us drugs, give us booze..." and high five the crap out of you when you do something great on the field. Hell, even when you screw up, he's ready with something to make you feel not so sucky when you come off for the inning.
I've got a lot of things to say about KC and a thousand memories to share, but because it's Sunday I'm thinking about wearing pink and hanging out on the field with my good friend , Mr. Haywood.
We're gonna play extra hard today. KC knows we have a winning streak and he'll be pissed if we ruin it while he can't yell at us about it.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

KC Update

After a long week of operations, procedures and monitoring, KC is expected to have a quieter more restful weekend. His bruises are beginning to fade a bit and his medical team is taking exceptional care of him.

He is still in critical condition, he is still under sedation and his medicines are being adjusted regularly, trying to keep his brain pressure below 20 and his brain oxygen above 20. He's had some problems with lung congestion, which they have been removing when necessary.

For what he's been through, he's doing pretty good. Keep your thoughts and prayers coming.

Friday, June 20, 2008

This isn't the first time KC spread his wings to fly . . .

As KC's aunt (Chris) I have to share a story.  KC was just a little boy, and momma Gail went to Europe for a much needed vacation.  My sister (what was she thinking?) left KC in my care!  While I was at work during the day, KC got to stay with his babysitter.  Not long after Gail left for her trek across Europe, I arrived at the babysitter's home to pick up my little buddy.  When I arrived,  I was met by a frantic babysitter's daughter telling me that KC was hurt and inside the house with her mom.  As I ran into the house the babysitter informs me that he jumped off of the top of their "fort" in the back yard.  What the . . . , why did he do that?, I asked.  With a perplexed look on her face she replied, "he thought he was Superman!".  Well after a quick trip to the hospital, he was given a clean bill of health and we went home.  So you see, KC has still not learned that he's not Superman!  but we as his family are convinced that he CAN leap tall buildings with a single bound, AND outrun speeding trains!  Thanks to all of you who know and love our superman, he IS dear to us all, and if you are there, near Chicago, PLEASE give Gail, Greg and KC a big hug from Aunt Chris, Uncle Bill and the rest of the family.  We are there with you in prayer!!!!!  BELIEVE!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

K.C. Information

K.C. is alive and we thank you for keeping him in your hopes and prayers. Please leave your thoughts and comments to share with others. We will leave information here and in the Announcements & Information section.

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Send a note to kc@riverat.org if you would like to be invited and we'll by very happy to invite you.