| Location | Lexington, South Carolina |
| Age | 17 years |
| Date of Birth | 9/1983 |
| Date of Death | 12/2000 |
| Visitors | 2,793 since 09/10/2007 |
| Creator |
On September 20, 1983, Celia Kendall Wofford entered this world in the town of Rock Hill, South Carolina. Her sister Mackenzie Rai, was excitingly awaiting her arrival, as were we all.
Kendall not only made us smile, she made us laugh. She found pleasure from day one with being "Kendall". Her eyes were full of life and love.
I can honestly say she was exceptional in that she never spoke bad of anyone. While as a parent you know "kids are not always nice"... yet she never reported such a situation in relation to herself.
I remember how upset she was when she heard of a fellow student committing suicide as a result of being "bullied". Kendall wrote a poem and recited it at the school talent show... she just did not understand why kids "bullied" other kids.
As with many teenagers, Kendall made poor choices. One of these choices was her decision in a boyfriend. She cared so much for him, she was blind to who he was. While it was known that he physically and mentally abused Kendall, she would never admit his abuses.
I tried everything within my power to guide her away from this boy. Yet Kendall was just a child. She could not "see" what was important in life - that being "Kendall". Sadly she had given this boy possession of her identity and "self worth".
In the end Kendall took her life while at the boy's home. She took an overdose of Tylenol PM (Acetaminophen). We will never know if Kendall realized that taking this type overdose was fatal. One way or the other, she died crying for "love or attention". A decision made in an instant... an instant that cost Kendall her life.
Kendall was barely 17... too young to die and leave her sister and I without her. Our lives have never and will never be the same.
Unfortunately the only way I can share Kendall now is through photos. I hope you enjoy meeting God's blessing to our lives.. our Kendall.
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Kendall... a beautiful spirit... now with wings to enjoy peace and freedom... forever.
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BELOW IS THE POEM KENDALL WROTE AFTER A FELLOW STUDENT COMMITTED SUICIDE - (BY BURNING HIMSELF TO DEATH) - ABOUT A YEAR BEFORE HER DEATH.
A Poem By Kendall Wofford
February 2000
You make fun of people who don’t act, look… or see things as you do.
You have your own “click” - all of you are the same,
And you have the mendacity to look at our group,
And say we’re the ones who are “lame”?
You think you are better than us - because we aren’t rich like you,
Because our daddy didn’t buy us a car, and we don’t get the nice things you do?
When one of us walks by - you laugh and turn your head -
Guess you haven’t realized - people have hurt themselves for the things you’ve done or said.
Is your heart so bitter, so cold and so mean -
That you refuse to open your eyes and let the truth be seen?
Do you think we’re not real - that we feel no pain?
Just because…you and I …are not the same?
Do you want to know the truth… why we are not like you?
Why we don’t act, look… or dress, in the same way you do?
O.K. fine, I’ll tell you why -
Do you know how many friends ‘we’ have lost because they wanted to “die”?
Well, we don’t either - there’s been way too many to count.
But we know why, It’s because of people like you…
People who make fun of us, and the things that we do.
We can only take so much… until we give up and let go.
You treat us like we’re worthless, you make us feel so low.
Now, do you see why we don’t want to “be like you”?
Why we “couldn’t treat people.. The way that you do.
We know the pain that you cause…
We know the suffering… and the loss.
I am not sure if you have heard what I’ve said.
But - if you have - let it soak into your head.
Be nice to the people who are not like you -
Because, believe it or not, they have feelings too
You were the first best friend I ever had
I can't believe you are gone. I hate the way our friendship ended. What were we thinking? I can't believe its been going on 12 years since then. Our moms wouldn't let us talk to each other after that, and I regret it. But then, maybe in the long run it was easier...the way everything happened. It would have been so hard to say goodbye, when I left. You had a really good heart. I remember when we first became friends, and you came over and we went swimming in the lake. You're not supposed to be gone. My heart stopped when I first found this site. I was trying to find you, to see how your life had been. I didn't expect to see you weren't ok. I still have my diary that you wrote in. You were my very first best friend. What happened????? I just don't understand. Sometimes I wonder what life had been like if I hadn't left. If we hadn't done what we did. I hope you knew what a special place you held in my life. You are frozen in time in all the many, countless memories.
Happy Birthday Kendall
Oh Kendall, your birthday was a little over a week ago. As always, as it approaches, I become so sad... so sad that I will not again have you here with me to celebrate it.
Kissy and I celebrated it, as always... thinking of you throughout the day.... with my remembering you especially at 4:40 p.m... the actual time you joined my life. Your big eyes, and cute smile... from day one.
Not a day goes by that you do not join my thoughts in some way - either a smile, or a tear.
What in God's name happened??? It is still the nightmare I thought I would never live through... and barely have.
I cannot visit your Memorial Site I made for you, for it breaks my heart - the reality that you even had to have a site made for you... you should be here... with Mackenzie and I.
I miss and love you, always... Your "Momma"
My Lizard, My butterfly My Kendall
I sit here with tears in my eyes as I type this. I miss you so much. I visit you as often as I can like your birthday, your catching up with me again like every year. I miss our sublime karaokie and stupid dances. I remember in our dance class in middle school when we talked of tripping that one girl but you know we never would. I just miss you all of you. We were going to get married on the blacksand beaches of Hawaii , a double wedding. Gosh I just wish I would have called you back the last time you called me. Why didnt I call you back. Your wonderful and will always be. Frozen in time eternally beautiful and equally wonderful. I love you and always will
You are my Lizard, my Lump, my Butterfly always and forever.
Best Friend
You were my best friend - my only friend - when I had no one. You put up with me when no one else would, and found me whenever I was lost. Even when I wasn't always there for you, I knew I could always depend on you being there.
I love you dearly, always have and always will.
Merry Christmas Kendall
Without you being here to share these holidays with me, they have become but another process of life I must endure. We shall set a spot at the table for you, with a candle in your memory. (I so remember how you loved lighting candles).
We would love you to join us, making your presence known as we sadly share another holiday without you. Love Mom
A butterfly is to the daylight
what a star is to the night
They fill our skies with much beauty
each a wonder of God's delight
But have you ever wondered
what a butterfly is for
Have you ever looked on in awe
as you watched these beauties soar
It is angel's wings that carry them
with a little fairy dust too
All colors of the rainbow,
but what do these creatures do
I know that in my life
they are precious and very dear
They have helped me in my trying times
and have brushed away my tears
My Lord sends to me these butterflies
and each one is my friend
They come from all around the world
and a different message each one lends
Some come and bring a quick hello
as they flutter through my day
Then others sit and chat a while
they have so much to say
Each one of them is different
with a beauty all their own
Leaving butterfly kisses upon my heart
making me feel at home
They say that if you give them a chance,
to you one will come, and this I know
It will gently nestle in your heart
and a friendship soon will grow
And from that special friendship
soon others will flutter your way
Leaving butterfly kisses upon your heart
God's gift to you every day
my heart goes out to all of kendalls family and friends wspecially her mum, who will havae to face so much heartache. suicide is a tradgedy for all, and i know from expereience all the hurt and pain what ifs and if onlys , but you will have so many good memories they are yours to keep, and no one can ever take them away from you, I wish kendalls mum (and family) didnt have to go through all the hurt and pain take care and god bless x
My heart goes out to you
What a beautiful young lady, may you rest in peace and may your family find peace and comfort.
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