Kerry James Queen

The last time I saw my cousin Kerry was last summer at his brother's wedding. It was such a wonderful time...that beautiful July weekend, when it seemed as if life couldn't get any better for our family. After the celebration was over and we all went back to our normal day-to-day routines, I basked in the happiness on the faces of my family, both in pictures and memories. This was the last time I saw Kerry. This was the last time I hugged Kerry. This was the last time I got to hear Kerry's infectious laugh. This was the last time I was touched by Kerry's genuine smile. Over the past few days I have played our last conversation over and over again in my head, wondering if there was something else I should have said or something more I could have done. Could I have hugged Kerry a little longer? Squeezed him extra tight? Should I have told him I lived him just one more time?

When I find myself getting overwhelmed with unanswered questions, I try to remind myself there were reasons Kerry smiled all the time and had such an infectious laugh. It was because Kerry Queen loved life. He found joy in the smallest of victories (from getting up on one water ski on a hot summer day on Thomas Pond, to devouring an overloaded plate of Gram Seavey's Blueberry Supreme, to winning a St. Dom's hockey game). What Kerry didn't do, was spend time dwelling on his bad days. He was incredibly optimistic and looked forward to each day with bright eyes and an open mind.

I can only imagine how this disaster has affected each and every one of you here today. The untimely death of such a young and beautiful person is a tragedy that truly is any family's nightmare. I, like all of you in this room, am doing my best to endure this incredible loss and the following is how I will keep a little piece of Kerry Queen with me forever. I've made a vow to do one thing every day that reminds me of Kerry. I'm going to make the most honest of efforts to look at life through his eyes by taking the time to smell the roses and count my blessings. I'm going to tell those closest to me how important they are, and how much their love and support has enriched my life. I'm going to remind myself every day that I am a lucky girl.

I've made this vow to help me come to terms with the fact I never got the chance to openly and honestly tell Kerry how much I loved him. I hope with all my heart he knows how proud I am of him and how much he inspired me. Lastly, I'm doing this for my cousin Kerry because he will never get another chance to share his happiness with us. And as the people that meant the most to him and those whose lives were changed by him, we have a responsibility to honor Kerry's life and the joy he shared with all he met.

I thank each and every one of you for coming to support our family during this heartbreaking time. Your love, thoughts, prayers, and support mean the world to us, and especially to my Aunt Robyn, Uncle Tom, and Ryan. I speak on behalf of my family in saying we appreciate everything you have done for us. Please know, without a doubt, that we could not get through this without you.

Today we lay to rest a remarkable son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and most importantly, person. I ask that you hold a special place in your heart for Kerry. Today, tomorrow, and always.

Amanda and Ryan Queen

This is the speech I wrote as Amanda's Maid of Honor in her wedding to my cousin Ryan this summer. I've been meaning to post it for a while and I'm finally getting around to it as the date of the birth of their first child, a baby boy, is quickly approaching. I'm so excited for our family to be growing! Here's to them and the wonderful future that awaits them :)

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In this family, if there's one title I hold dear to my heart it is the title of being 'the only girl'. I've grown up being protected, loved, and cherished by my four wonderful cousins, with Ryan holding a special place in my heart.

I have always had a special closeness and friendship with Ryan, so as we grew up I took a special interest in his 'romantic' choices. I can honestly say it is my pleasure and honor to welcome Amanda into our family.

I met Amanda when I was 16 and through all the trials and tribulations of being a teenager, Amanda always came back to Ryan's mind and when describing what his 'perfect girl' would be, it was clear Amanda was his perfect match.

Over the years I have had many conversations with Amanda and have learned that she is and will continue to grow into being an incredible woman, and an incredible match for Ryan.

One your wedding day I am proud to stand by your side as not only your Maid of Honor, but as your newly acquired sister, whether you like it or not. I look forward to having you in my life, and also as an important part of this family. I truly believe you bring the best out in Ryan and make him want to be a better man, and that is the essence of true love.

I wish you both many years of happiness and all the joy this world has to offer. If there were any two people that deserve these blessings, it would be the two of you.


Welcome to our family.