Kirk Thompson - the Crow RIP

 I wondered about the c.o.d. too ..  was it co-morbid-related?     Do you know, Bo? 

I met with Kirk when I was nearly 650lbs on May 8, 2001, just 5 months and 1 week prior to his gastric bypass. He was warm and caring, with a contagious smile, but had rarely left his home due to his obesity. Kirk and I were instant brothers. Maybe not blood brothers, but in spirit, and in surgery.

I feel responsible for my brother. In me, he had seen an obese person not afraid to go out and meet the world head on. Although he is no longer here, I feel that he lives on in me and the others that he has touched.

Although lately plagued with failing joints, constant and unrelenting pain, he alway was there to lend a hand to whomever needed lifting up.

Sure he had issues. Don't we all. His surgery was the most drastic that one could have, Roux-en-Y distal. Although good for taking weight off fast, the dangers of future metabolic challenges awaited him. Vitamin, Iron, B12 and other deficiencies were expected. He did his best to keep up with the hand he was dealt.

I remember driving with SandySD to the Columbus OSU hospital on Oct 8, 2001, just 4 weeks after my own surgery, when his parents had to rent a van and he had to lay in the back for 130 miles to get from WV to the hospital. The disappointment loomed once we got there as he was told his surgery had been cancelled because the surgeon had been tied up with a prior complicated surgery. But several days later he was reborn. SandySD and I were there by his side as he awoke and his journey began. He strived to be the perfect patient and took his WLS seriously. By this time he was already very active in the OH chat room and became a staffer. As he shed the outer self, the inner Kirk emerged whom was so compassionate about helping others. He had gone public with his journey by going on talk shows, traveling to many places and inspiring countless unknown people. He even had the chance to go see his brother in Hawaii.

We were given a gift when Kirk entered our lives. We all know the risks. We all know that we cannot stop death. What we choose to do with our gift of a second chance is what matters most. Kirk embraced life and as such, should not be mourned in death. I feel honored to have been called friend and brother. Kirk will never be forgotten. Peaceful journey my brother. We shall meet again.



                                                                        Brothers



                                              Crow/Kirk May 8, 2001

http://home.windstream.net/mbrelish/crow/

 I'm confused about the type of WLS you said he had   ..  he had a distal RNY combined with a DS???  

Retraction: I am certain it was distal. I remember that he had more to lose so Dr Cook bypassed much more. I may have mis-spoke about the DS. It has been 8 years. Sorry for any mixup as I was trying for over an hour to post that reply and had to keep copying and editing it..

Really sad. I pray that his family and friends will get thru these rough months ahead. God bless Kirk and his family. God bless.

Sorry to hear of your loss, Bo ....     

 I'm curious as to how he came up with his unusual nickname ..  any idea on that?   

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost a friend too. WLS is not an "easy" solution. I hope you will remember the good times you too obviously had together. My heart breaks!

To all the OHr's and family of Kirk, may he RIP.  Didn't know him but he sounded like a wonderful person full of life and inspiration.

Debbie

sorry for your loss you are in my prayers

I am so sorry for your loss, and the loss of an OH family member.  He sounds like he was a wonderful man who brought a lot of light to others.