An Inspirational Letter

This letter was found today in: The West Valley View.

'An inspiration for everyone
Editor:
I, along with hundreds of other attendees at the third annual Guns-N-Hoses charity football game (Goodyear Fire vs. Police) at Desert Edge High School Saturday evening witnessed not only an exciting football game (Hoses won 13-12), but all left the stadium emotionally drained.

Each year, 100 percent of proceeds are given to local charities, and this year's recipients were Kim Miller, 29-year-old wife of Sgt. Deron Miller, the family of Officer Barry Scott, and the 100 Club.

Officer Miller's wife is suffering from stage 4 cancer. But those of us who saw her walk onto the field after the game would never have known it had not the public address system announced her appearance.

After the game, everyone's attention was on Kim. I saw her smiles for each of those hugging her, and she exhibited a serene calmness as player after player was trying hard to fight back tears. Her smile and twinkle in her eyes belied the internal struggle she and Deron must have carried with them as they walked off the football field.

As both teams gathered in the middle of the field, suddenly a few players appeared with electric shears, lines began to form, and one by one every player's head was shaved (including some of the players' tiny tots), all in honor of Kim Miller.

I have two grandsons with the Goodyear P.D., and both have said how this happening has affected them, and how they've gained inner strength, and as one of them told me, "Hey, Papa, don't forget, they both are my family too."

Those attending that evening felt the raw emotion much more than those reading this letter. I too, as many others who know Kim and Deron, wish to let them know that we too share in their grief.'

Ken Wood
Goodyear

(Obtained from the World Wide Web on November 21, 2008. www.westvalleyview.com. Letters to the Editor. Letter written by Wood, Ken.)

As soon as I get some pictures large enough to post I will do so. Many of us struggle with the daily drudgery of work, home, etc. Kim is dealing with cancer and doing so with an amazing spirit and attitude.