Breathe Easy Kevin

Kevin Pira was a strong determined young man.  No matter how bad things got for him he always managed to stay as strong as he could.  His head strong personality and kind heart made him very easy to get along with.  We were kind of a support network for eachother, both being born with medical conditions, me cerebral palsy and him cystic fibrosis, we were able to understand one another and help eachother through the tough times.  We were able to crack jokes to one another to help ease the seriousness of our situations.  For eample,  we began calling the hospital his “second home” since he was there so frequently for treatments.  Sadly this past yr was rough on kevin as his stays to his “second home” became more frequent as his lungs, liver, and pacras began slowly shutting down.  I tryed to help him as much as i could by gettung a bunch of family/friends to donate to his transplant fund which he appreciated greatly, as well as listen and offer enouragment when he  felt like giving up.  We even made plans for me to fly out to CA(since i live in NY) once he got better so that we could hang out with eachother.  Then on Oct 15th 2008, as i was coming home from work, i reccieved the devasting news that my dear friend had passed away, He was 22 yrs. old. Even though I miss him terriably I will never forget the things he taught me and the memories we shared.  Kevin was a true fighter and will never be forgotten.  BREATHE EASY MY DEAR FRIEND <3

Adam (back right) with friends

Portsmouth – Joseph Adam Holland, 29, of the 200 block of Hodges Manor Rd. died peacefully Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Adam grew up as a deck hand on the Elizabeth River Ferry where he went on to become one of its captains. Later, he captained the Virginia Jewell where he married Sherri Linn Williams. He left the water to start his own business, but the water called once more and he had the honor of engineering on the U.S.S. Sequoia Presidential Yacht, docked in Washington D.C.

Adam received his mariners license when he was only 19 and throughout his career, worked for many companies lending his expertise as a boat captain, 1st mate, mechanic, and entrepreneur. Adam was skilled and talented beyond his years on the water. He has now gone to join his stepfather Rick Benton and beloved cat Trucker.

He is survived by his wife, Sherri Linn Williams Holland; his mother, Mary Elizabeth Borum Ketchum and husband Ronald; his father, Joseph Holland and wife Johnna; a grandmother, Rosa Kittrell; a sister, Summer Marie Holland; a stepsister, Amy Lynn Wilburn and husband Earnest; three step brothers, Nicholas, Kain and Damon; a step grandfather, Carlton Ketchum; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, a nephew and friends.

This was sent to me by a very special friend, Kristin, whose daughter, Reese is a CF superstar… she missed Adam dearly with all her heart…

I have contacted by many of you about the lyrics of Telluride’s (www.tellurideband.com) song Hope Happens Here, so here you are… I suggest purchasing the song for your IPOD or buying the whole (awesome)CD… Please ask if you have any questions…

Hope Happens Here

You never get the chance to prepare yourself
Even if you had there is no way to tell
If it would be easier to know your world is turning upside down
Its just so hard to look up when you faliin
And you can’t even start til your at the bottom
Down on your knees praying you’re not alone
Asking God for a little HOPE
Then you find it
Here on a new strangers face
That just got the news they’re in the same wait
Hope happens here
In the hearts and the hands of the people doing all they can
Hope Happens Here
Hope Happens Here
So your finding that you never have to fight alone
And there’s no way to repay the love that is shown
In a hallway that feels more like a home
To always know that wherever you go
You’ll be right here
In a 10 year olds smile, that lights up the room as he walks by
Hope Happens Here
In the songs that you sing as your rockin your baby to sleep
Hope Happens Here
Hope Happens Here
When you fight til you swear that you’ve had enough
But you there no way you’d ever think of givin up
Hope Happens Here
On that same stranger face that just got the new they gong home today
Hope Happens Here
In a young mothers eyes that just realized they won
Hope Happens Here
Hope Happens Here