Kemper is my fourth child and came fourth in a line of girls. She was probably one of my hardest pregnancies because this child would literally roundhouse kick me and drop me to my knees while she was STILL IN THE WOMB. She cracked a rib of mine, lodged a foot in my ribcage on more than one occasion, and in general let me know from the very beginning that she was one heck of an athlete.
Which is fitting, because we had decided to name her Kemper before we even knew she was a girl. A good family friend and fine athlete, someone David and I had both admired since he was still in college is four time Olympic athlete Hunter KEMPER. The year Kemper was born, David had won a slot into the Kona Ironman World Championship and in honor of his life long goal and our good friend, this little namesake made her way into the world already strong and capable.
This past year alone, Kemper qualified as second in our district, 15th in the region, and made it to the state championships for cross country as a freshman. Her swim times have dramatically improved as well and she is headed this weekend to a winter championship meet. She is feverishly working away at school so she can focus her training and hopes to carry on the tradition of her
namesake and her Aunt Laura and Uncle Greg who are also Olympic triathletes.
But that is not what is most impressive about Kemper.
What is most impressive is her heart.
She’s an incredible young lady who gives everything she puts her hand to 100%.
She gives selflessly to her younger siblings, especially Crickie, her 5-year-old sister that refuses to leave Kemper’s side.
She always wears a smile and can light up a room with her sweet disposition.
But what I love best about Kemper is the quiet resolve, the unwavering faith, and the amazing drive she exudes. In the past year she has not only grown phenomenally in her athletic capabilities, but also in her academic work, having completed 24 college credit hours! She is a joy and a light in our family and I know God will use Kemper and the purpose she pursues to draw even more people to Himself. At 15 years old, she is an amazing young lady that I am so incredibly blessed to be sharing my life with. Please join me today in wishing this amazing young lady a very happy birthday!
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