I don’t even remember how many years ago it was when my husband Michael walked in after work and asked, “Do you know Kenny Bourg? He grew up in Reserve.”

“He’s my cousin,” I said. “His grandmother and my grandmother were sisters.”

“He’s one of the hardest and smartest workers I’ve ever met,” Michael said.

“I guess so! He’s my cousin!”

In addition to his work ethic, Kenny was fun to be around. Michael thoroughly enjoyed their interactions and was shaken when he came home nine years ago with devastating news.

“Kenny has cancer.”

The prognosis wasn’t good. The doctor estimated that Kenny would live three months.

News that would have caused some to cave was pushed aside as he began to fight the dreaded disease.  Those three months are long gone, as are many courses of treatment, surgeries and hospital stays in between which he enjoyed eating boiled crabs.

Far surpassing the way he worked or the fierceness with which Kenny fought cancer, was his love and support of his family.

Last week his journey ended, and Michael and I stood in line outside of the funeral home in sunny 90-degree weather for 45 minutes with other men in suits and women in heels. We were all there to pay our last respects for a life well-lived by a man well-loved.

On our way home, we detoured for a dozen boiled crabs. Kenny would have approved.

When Michael walked into the Seafood Pot, the waitress asked if he had been to the funeral home.

“Kenny used to come in here and order six #1 crabs,” she said.

Never before have boiled crabs caused me to smile and cry at the same time.

Kenny’s life is yet another reminder that the impact we have on others never dies. Live well. Love well.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.