Kim's Texas heritage began in 1860. At the age of two, her maternal Great Grandfather, and ten years later her Grandmother, sailed from Czechoslovakia l to Galveston Island.

Kimberly Ann was our third daughter, born November 20, 1969 at Southwest General Hospital in El Paso. Not only was this little bundle’s arrival a great joy to her father and I, but a third birthday present to her sister Pam. From that day forward, 11/20 was a very special "double birthday" for these two sisters; we would often joke that they were twins born three years apart.

When you sit down to recall the lives of your children, I have found that as the monotonous and exasperating times fade, it is the simple and tender moments that shine through. I remember when Kim was two months old, her sister Suzette, then four, was in a serious car accident. During her long convalescence, the two spent many hours sleeping together for companionship. The memory of my two babies sleeping so peacefully next to each other helped me get through those early teen years when they were not always so angelic!

She took her first steps at eleven months towards the open arms of her Uncle Joe and Aunt Liz in Austin. We were visiting as we crossed Texas, moving from El Paso to Beaumont and eventually to McAllen in 1972. At four years of age, she was such a lively, happy little charmer with blond curls, already sporting that indomitable spirit. Kim attended a Montessori pre-kindergarten and also began speech therapy. Kim could not pronounce "L" and with two older sisters to play with and tease her, she was constantly heard proclaiming "EVE ME A-OWN!" Her spunk and resolution began to surface when she astounded her speech therapist by correcting over "150" of her articulation impediments in only eight lessons, a record!

Highlights of her six years in McAllen include her first dog, Bijou. Her love of animals became apparent as she absolutely adored him. When he passed unexpectedly, she was inconsolable. Her only request was to bury him near a park where children played, so "he would never be lonely." Her passion for horses arose as a family friend who owned one allowed her to groom, feed and ride it. Eventually, she convinced them to let her enter the barrel races in a small, local rodeo. The stirrups were too long, so she tucked her boots under the straps and away she went. During the race, that little girl was hanging on to the saddle horn for all she was worth, winning was not important then, but the experience was. Thinking back, I can hardly believe I let her do this!

Kim’s ninth year was a big one. Her baby brother Shaun was born and we left the great state of Texas for Southern California. A third grader with braces and short blond hair, she played in a girl’s softball league. Our little athlete distinguished herself by making the elite "All-Stars" team. I remember her league showstopper, the final game, bases loaded, and two outs, Kim was at shortstop. There was a fly ball deep in center field, Kim was racing and no one thought she would make it. Throwing her body into a forward slide with glove extended about a foot above the ground the ball found its mark. The roar of the crowd was deafening! Her eight grade graduation was highlighted by being named "Athlete of the Year", having played on several winning intramural teams including volleyball, soccer, softball and track.

Mater Dei, the distinguished Catholic College prep high school gave her a challenge and an opportunity to shine. She was named to the National Honor Society her sophomore, junior, and senior years, the California Scholastic Federation all four years there, Academic All Americans, and National Physical Education Award. She also lettered in Varsity Soccer and Tennis. She was the head assistant physical trainer for all sports her sophomore, junior, and senior years and was on the student council her senior year. Kim's four year GPA was 4.6 (5 points earned for advanced placement classes). Excuse my bragging, I am just a proud mom and Kim never would have made mention of these achievements.

In June 1991, Kim graduated (in three years) from the University of California at San Diego, with a major in Political Science and a double minor in English/American Literature, and Law and Society. While there, Kim was a campus pool lifeguard all three years and volunteered at the UCSD Hospital Trauma Center.

Anxious to get back to Texas and with a promise from us that we would retire there, she moved back the summer after graduating. Kim moved in with my younger sister, her favorite Aunt Delphine. Within a month, Kim announced to her aunt, and I quote, "I have found the love of my life. He's got four legs, is all furry, and by the way, I met him at the pound." With this new roommate, they needed to move from an apartment to a home so the furry one, Gunner, would have a yard to patrol and plenty of squirrels and birds to chase. Something they often did was to go country dancing on ladies night; aunt and niece loved life.

In Texas she worked in National Radio Sales, following her Aunt’s example, until she realized her calling. Coming from a family tradition steeped in law enforcement, she also chose public service and became a firefighter. Her dream came true in April 19,1994. She worked hard; being female demanded extra diligence. She graduated in the top ten percent of her class. I can't leave out one major event, the fire academy said she had to cut her hair. After numerous tear filled phone conversations with her about how hair will grow back etc., I believe she had to return to the salon three times before they thought it was short enough ---- what a huge hurdle!

Several years after joining the Department, Kim became interested in the Combat Challenge, a timed, physical endurance test that measured the strength and endurance of the participants. On her third entry into regional competition in Las Vegas, she won third place and moved on to the Internationals held in Florida. There, she placed fifth in the world. Her victories in competition were a first for women in the Houston Fire Department.

As for her career in the Houston Fire Department, you know the rest of the story.

Another memory occurred to me. Kim was introduced to a gentleman that raised Arabian horses. They needed to be exercised and, what do you know, she loved riding horses. They were high spirited but that did not daunt her, not one bit. She was happiest playing with Gunner and Murphy and riding horses. (On that same note, Kim and Buddy, her fiancée, were all signed up and ready to ride the horses to and from the 2000 Houston Rodeo. I remember cautioning her in our last telephone conversation, Sunday February 13, and she assured me they wouldn't be the "bucking broncos" kind I feared. The last time I heard her voice, we discussed all the plans for their November wedding. She was the happiest I had ever known her to be.)

The following note is from a page in Kim’s journal that her mom found as she was packing away her belongings.

Kimberly Ann Smith: Who I Am:

Well, let's see ... I try to be a good, thoughtful, honest and caring person every day. My personality falls on the strong side, and I am independent and self-sufficient. I enjoy making people laugh, although my humor tends to be on the dry and sarcastic side. Similarly, I love to laugh, even if it's at myself. I am a reliable and steadfast friend and am greatly appreciative of the same. I have an unquenchable love for life and all of the challenges it brings me. Along these same lines, my spirituality is that which sees me through these challenges, leaving me stronger and wiser. I am an athlete who is far from dainty and who doesn't mind hard work. I range from being gregarious and lively to quiet and contemplative. I am reliable and I firmly believe in standing up for what is right

What I Like To Do:

Things that make me smile ... my family, my friends and my two furry four-legged boys (Gunner & Murphy). These also include, but are not limited to: being healthy; animals (dogs and horses especially); old people, completing an endeavor; trying something new, the outdoors; sports (from A to Z); competition; personal triumph; giving to others; the color navy; a warm. crackling fire (in a fireplace, that is); helping somebody; funny people; good music; a long drive; nature at its best (from the beaches to the mountains): participating in life; and striving to be the best person I can be. Of course, the list could go on and an and on and on and on ...

I miss my baby girl.    RZS                                                                                                                                                 

Hits since 3-27-2003