There are times in life that there seem to be no answers, times when there are only resounding questions echoing in the depths of one’s soul. Questions like why some are given so many days in which to live their lives and some, like Kamren Blakely, are given so few. There seemingly is no answer, no explanation – only the chasm that now numbs the hearts of those who loved him so dearly. Kamren was such a special boy who in his limited number of days, certainly left his mark on the world in which he lived. He lived each moment to its fullest yet was taken just as his bright light was beginning to shine, his flame extinguished much too soon.
In many ways, the year 1999 was a year that was laced with incredible events that were both positive and negative. Columbine High School suffered the tragic deaths of 12 students and one teacher at the hands of two fellow students, the nation was captivated as the search continued for John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s plane that disappeared in the water near Martha’s Vineyard, and the number of internet users reached 150 million people worldwide. This was also a year of great significance to Donna Blakely and Jose Mereno as it was during the year that they welcomed the birth of their son, Kamren David, on August 25th. Kamren finally made his arrival at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo after a long and difficult delivery. He weighed in at eight pounds, five ounces and was 21 1/4 inches long. Kamren was greeted by his Grandma Christine, Aunt Sara Blakely Flowers, and Bill Ovesen who were all there for the big moment. Kamren was the most beautiful baby in the world. One of his most noticeable features were his captivating eyes. His mother gushes that Kamren was a perfect baby – at least until he turned one and from that point on, he was all boy and full of energy!
From an early age Kamren was a bit of a “momma’s boy” who was also partial to his grandma. He liked to help his grandma out in the barn and one of his favorite things to do was to ride on the lawnmower and help mow the yard. At times the tractor provided fun of a different kind when he hooked a sled up to the back so his grandma could pull him around the yard in the summer. He was later joined in his family by his sister, Jaelynn Danielle, who was born when Kamren was eight years old. He also had someone special in his life, William “Bill” Ovesen, whom he called “Daddie Eddie.”
For his education, Kamren moved around a bit before he found the place that seemed to be the perfect fit. He attended Vicksburg’s Indian Lake Elementary from their begingartner program until he finished first grade. Kamren then transferred to Comstock Public Schools for a few years until he recently began attending Valley Center School, a Kalamazoo RESA operated program. He was the happiest at Valley Center and really enjoyed being a student there.
There were many activities that Kamren enjoyed when he had spare time. Many of them were a great way for him to let off some of the energy that he seemed to have so much of. Kamren loved his bike and recently started to get into skateboarding. He was also more recently learning to play frisbee golf with his mentor Eric. Kamren also took after his Grandpa Chuck with his love for golf and this Christmas he had his hopes set on either a motorcycle or four wheeler.
Life drastically changed for Kamren when he began suffering from a congestive cough about two weeks ago. He recently began running a fever and was taken to Bronson Hospital just this past Friday. Then on Tuesday he was transferred to the University of Michigan Hospital where he later drew his last breath. It was determined that Kamren’s death was a result of the underlying effects of the H1N1 flu virus combined with double pneumonia which were too much for his body to overcome.
There were so many ways in which Kamren Blakely was such an extraordinary boy. He was an active boy who loved sausage and macaroni and cheese but wanted pizza every Friday night. Kamren was vibrant and vivacious with energy to spare yet he always found the time to enjoy the people in his life who he treasured most. He was a boy with hopes and dreams for the future who was just seeming to find where he belonged. Although Kamren’s days numbered far too few, his impact on the lives of those around him was no less significant. He touched the hearts of so many who will now hold tightly to the moments they were given to spend with him while they forever cherish his memory. Kamren will be dearly missed.
Kamren David Blakely of Kalamazoo died on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Kamren’s family includes his mother, Donna Blakely, of Kalamazoo; Father, Jose Mereno, of TX; sister, Jaelynn Danielle Blakely, of Kalamazoo; stepdad “Daddy Eddie," Bill Ovesen, of Benton Harbor; grandparents, Christine and Chuck Blakely, of Vicksburg, Don and Linda Engel, of Wayland, Wilma and Orville Rood, of GA, Helen Engel, of Wayland; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visit with his family and friends and share light refreshments, Monday from 11 - 1 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (649-1697). The funeral service will be held on Monday at 1 p.m. at the same location. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to the family.
Kamren Blakely
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