Besides Kurt Myers’ heart for others and his love for outdoors, what I noticed most about him were his smile and his boots.
 

Peering up from under his bangs, even his eyes seemed to be grinning. And whether he was sporting jeans, sweats, shorts or pajama pants, his feet were always tucked into a pair of boots.

One of my most vivid memories of Kurt is watching him and my son Jake make their way up through the church yard. Sitting under the church pavilion, my daughter Brittany and I were chatting as the two of them came up out of Tenmile Creek. Those boys spent a lot of time in there- fishing, trapping crawdads, hunting for snakes - and the good Lord only knows what else. And on this particular evening, as usual, they had yielded a critter or two.  It was one of those moments you love – and take for granted.

It's important to soak up those moments.

 

Just this past September, Kurt suddenly passed away at age 15.

He was a great kid; a kid who was easy to be around; a kid who would park his dirt bike or four-wheeler to help his Great-Uncle Charles put up hay or to play tea party with his little cousin Della. He loved to help his cousin Andrew tinker in the garage to keep all those cliff-climbing vehicles in tip-top shape. He had a zest for life and a great sense of humor and a clever little way of delivering it. He got that - at least, in part, I believe - from his Grandma Harriett.

Kurt made lots and lots of good decisions, including the ultimate one. A couple of summers ago, he gave his heart to Jesus. My husband Jeff had the privilege of baptizing him and his brother Greg on the same day.

That’s another one of those experiences you so love, but seem to take for granted.

One night, for whatever reason, Kurt made a decision that wasn’t so good. He had stopped by a party with friends and drank a large amount in a short amount of time. He got a ride home, but never made it in the front door. Alcohol does poison. It is true.

For the past few months, Kurt’s family has been pretty numb, as you can imagine. And even though the hurt and void are still very fresh, they have found the courage to have a voice in the midst of their deepest despair. Their hope – their prayer – is that Kurt be remembered and that his tragic death might perhaps bring renewed life to someone else.

When it came to the winding rivers, steep dirt trails and back roads, Kurt felt invincible. Like most other fearless teens, he probably felt that way in other environments too.

Don’t ever encourage anyone to drink. And watch out for each other. Have your friend’s back. Help him or her walk away from a bad situation. And if he does get into trouble, don't be afraid to get him some help. Never leave him alone. Make sure he is in an adult’s care.

To pay tribute to Kurt’s life, his smile – and his beloved boots –his family and friends are sporting their boots on Wednesday, Jan. 9, the day Kurt would have turned 16 years old.

Kurt had aspirations of becoming a welder one day. I think he is doing that. He is joining friends, family and hearts.

Like Kurt, his family - Jackie, Wil, Greg and Lauren Myers – have hearts of gold.

And knowing them all has sure touched my family and me. If you know them, you will agree.

“Keep the boots walking” by wearing your most loved boots on Jan. 9 and sharing Kurt’s story with someone along your path.

If you feel so inclined, send pictures of you sporting your boots in Kurt's honor and/or notes of support to the Myers family via email to julie@connect-bridgeport.com.

Editor’s notes: Kurt was a student at Wheeling Park High School. He spent a lot of time in the summer visiting family in the Dola area. I am thankful to have known him and grateful for the friend he was to my son, sharing with him an appreciation for nature and an excitement for outdoor adventure. It seems he had that kind of effect on many. At Kurt’s funeral, I witnessed one of the biggest, most public displays of emotion I have ever seen. And wouldn’t you know it? Those kids – whether in ruffled dresses or jeans and Ts -were wearing their boots.

 

Top picture provided by Kurt's cousin, Hilary Heaster.