Tribute

Photos in the last 3 posts are from Mary Thompson, a gifted family friend who has taken photos of Keith since he was a baby. She graciously did a photo shoot for us 2 weeks ago.

Keith Darrell Burnett, age 4 years and 10 months, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving parents and grandparents on September 2, 2012.

Keith is survived by his parents, Brent and Darcee Burnett, his twin brother Cole, his sister Ally, grandparents, great-grandparents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Keith is preceded in death by two great-grandfathers, Douglas Burnett and Eldon Smart and his uncle Bay Smart. He is beloved by all who knew him and knew of him.

Keith was born in Boston, Massachusetts as the second of identical twin boys, on November 1, 2007 to parents who had very anxiously awaited his arrival. Keith and his brother Cole were an adventure even before birth as they exhibited characteristics of a high-risk pregnancy in Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, causing growth restriction for Keith. This led to a premature, emergency c-section delivery. At only 3 pounds and 2 ounces, Keith was small. But the delivery nurse that handed him to his proud father said words that would almost prove prophetic when she said, “He’s small, but mighty.”

Keith proved many times just how mighty he was. Even in his first 3 weeks of life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, he never needed oxygen like many premies of his gestational age. He always had a strong heart and lungs. Keith was able to come home from the NICU just in time for Thanksgiving and celebrate the happiest holiday on record.  When Keith was only 6 weeks old, his family made the cross-country move from Boston to the Portland area. They settled in Tigard in March of 2008 where Keith resided until his passing.

Keith was always an incredibly bright, pensive and thoughtful child. He had a remarkable memory and loved puzzles and books. He could focus for long periods of time on activities and often seemed deep in thought which made him seem wise beyond his years. Keith always put others’ needs before his own. He easily gave up toys to other children and was an abnormally selfless toddler and child. He’s always been our “sweet Keith”, even when he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor on February 1, 2011 at age 3 years and 3 months.

Our “small but mighty” son endured 2 major tumor resection surgeries, 6 weeks of radiation and 11 months of chemotherapy. He also endured 4 other surgeries, 32 blood transfusions and underwent general anesthesia over 50 times. He spent 76 days in the hospital including his 4^th birthday and the following Christmas and New Year. He acquired tightness in his heel cords as a side-effect from chemo which prevented him from walking for his last 13 months and subsequently, his feet and lower legs were in casts or braces day and night. Keith was fed through an NG tube for the last 17 months. Nausea and vomiting were constant side-effects that affected him daily.

In the face of these insurmountable challenges, Keith endured with patience and grace. He remained selfless and sweet.

When the nurses gave him a sticker for bravery, he asked which sticker was for Cole and which one was for Ally. Eventually, the staff learned to just give him 3 from the beginning because he would pick out one for each of his siblings before he considered picking one out for himself. When someone brought him a toy or prize, the first question out of his mouth was, “What did Cole get?” He wanted to make sure Cole got something too.

He never threw tantrums or acted out or even asked “why” when we told him we had to go to the hospital. He was sad but not angry. As long as he had his blanket and a show to watch, he was content. He never asked why he was so sick or why he couldn’t walk or play like he once could.

Keith had an incredible gift to find joy and happiness doing what he could do, even as his abilities became more and more limited. He LOVED movies and loved to quote movie lines with his family and friends. His favorites were Disney shows, Scooby Doo episodes and Superhero shows. Keith loved to play superheroes, whether he was leaning up against the couch or scooting around with a weapon in hand or even if he was just slicing a sword through the air from his bed.  No matter what time of year, Keith was always thinking of superhero characters that he and the rest of the family could be for Halloween. This year he wanted to be Daredevil.

As much as Keith loved superheroes, his greatest hero was, and still is, his Dad. Keith asked several times each day where dad was or when he would be home. Even at his weakest, Keith perked up whenever Brent was in the room. Keith loves his Dad.

Keith asked everyone he met if they liked rocky road ice cream or Smarties candy. He would usually tell you he liked the green Smarties because green was his favorite color.

Keith spent the last year scooting around our house. He rarely asked to be carried because he wanted to get himself where he needed to go, even if it took him a lot longer to get there. He loved to play hide-and-seek or chase in any capacity, whether he was scooting, or being carried or eventually just in his bed, under his blanket.

Keith’s body was broken and limiting but his spirit is confident, capable and strong. “Keith the Mighty” continues his mission in the next life where he is on the Lord’s errand and continuing to do whatever is asked of him, with a willing heart and mind.

*****

I know the covenants (or promises) Brent and I made in the temple 11 years ago, allow our family the blessing of being together forever in the next life. I know this is only possible because of a loving Heavenly Father’s perfect plan for us and for His willingness to allow his Son, Jesus Christ, to atone for our sins and for all that is dark and wrong in this world.

I’m grateful for a Savior who was willing to suffer as He did for us.

I know in the end, everything will be made right. Everything will be made perfect.

I know our family is forever.