Kayla’s Rhapsody

Kayla’s Rhapsody

Kayla was a beloved niece--the first-born daughter of my husband’s brother and sister-in-law. She was beautiful, talented, funny, intelligent, and loving. Most importantly, her love for God and her family radiated through everything she did.

After graduating from college and participating in at least one mission trip to Africa, Kayla became a high school choir teacher at Lee High School in Midland, Texas. She was phenomenal at her job, and her students loved her every bit as much as she loved them.

As a young adult, Kayla also performed in several college and community musical productions. Her outstanding performances captivated audiences. In addition to possessing a remarkable singing voice, she was an accomplished pianist and violist. She never hesitated to use her God-given talents to glorify the Lord.

Kayla was happily married, living in Minnesota, and pregnant with her third child when she was diagnosed with brain cancer. She was only about thirty-three years old. Faced with an unimaginable decision, she chose to protect the life of her unborn son rather than begin chemotherapy immediately. She did, however, consent to an early delivery. Thankfully, Ezra—whom the family calls “Rex”, after Kayla’s maternal grandfather—was born healthy, although he remained in the neonatal intensive care unit for quite some time.

Following Rex’s birth, Kayla endured numerous biopsies, surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, and radiation. Her illness and the demanding treatments kept her from bonding with her youngest child as fully as she longed to do. They also affected the time she could spend with her older children, William and Ellie, who were still preschoolers.

Throughout that incredibly difficult season, devoted family members, friends, and fellow church members surrounded Kayla and her family with love and practical care. Some family members even took leaves of absence from their jobs in Texas and flew to Minnesota to help.

It seemed as though we never stopped praying and fasting for Kayla’s healing. Most of us believed God would heal her here on earth and allow her to finish raising her young family. But God had other plans. Two years after her initial diagnosis, He called Kayla home to be with Him.

Although God’s ways are perfect, they are not always ours to understand. I do not think I am the only family member who still struggles with the “why” of it all. Yet even in my questions, I trust Him completely. I know His ways are always right.

Always.

This rhapsody for Kayla is also meant to honor my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rick and Janet Bender. They were—and continue to be—wonderful parents to Kayla, Bryce, and Melody. From their children’s earliest days, Rick and Janet raised them to know, love, and honor the Lord.

Because of their devoted Christian parenting, Kayla knew Jesus personally. When death came, she could face it without fear—and those of us who loved her know without a doubt where she is today.

We often joke that Kayla is not merely singing with the angels in Heaven’s choir—she is probably conducting it!

Through both her life and her untimely death, Kayla touched countless souls. I believe people are still finding hope in Christ through her story. Her earthly song may have ended far too soon for those of us who loved her, but her rhapsody continues—in the lives she touched, in the family she cherished, and in the presence of the Savior she faithfully served.

Thank you, Rick and Janet, for giving your children the greatest gift parents can offer: a life rooted in Jesus.