Sunday, June 14, 1998

Clyde graduate inspires others through adversity

By DAVID PALMER / Special Writer

David Kirkwood has much to feel sorry for himself about, but he doesn't have time. He's too busy being an inspiration to others.

Three years ago David, a 1992 graduate of Clyde High School, contracted bacterial meningococcemia while a student at LeTourneau University in Longview.

Because of complications, doctors were forced to amputate parts of both legs and one arm, plus David endured problems with his lungs, kidneys, heart and skin.

Three years later David is far removed from the days of taking pity on himself for life's cruel blow.

"I did enough of that right out of the hospital to last me for a lifetime," he said in a telephone interview from his home in Wichita, Kan.

Fitted with artificial limbs, David is now enjoying life and his job as a design engineer with Cessna aircraft. David had planned to go into the Air Force, but his illness changed those plans, as it did much of his life.

"I guess the Lord just had different plans for me," he said.

It wasn't just his career that changed with David's near-death experience.

"God and I got a lot closer," he said.

His priorities have changed from "just floating along having fun and stuff" to looking for ways to help others.

When David was going through rehabilitation his father, Bob Kirkwood of Clyde, contacted billionnaire Ross Perot and asked for aid.

One day David's phone rang and the voice on the other end said, "This is Ross Perot." Stunned, David sat straight up in bed and said, "Yes sir!"

After a whirlwind of phone calls and meetings, David was fitted with the finest artificial limbs available.

That kindness made David want to be able to do the same thing someday.

"I'd like to be in a position where I can do that for somebody someday," he said.

David also was inspired by a visit during rehabilitation from a psychologist who had once been an Air Force pilot.

The doctor told David he, too, had been grounded when an eardrum burst, and he had involuntarily retired. There is life after flying, he assured David.

When he left, the doctor reminded David of Philippians 4:13 which reads, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

David has never seen the doctor again, but he gripped the Scripture with all his heart and hasn't let go. It remains one of his favorites.

Through his grueling recovery, David said the worst and darkest thoughts had crossed his mind at one time or another. The thought of what his parents, Bob and Lucy, had done for him kept him going.

"I remembered that mom and dad had gone so far for me, done so much, that I just couldn't do less for them," he said.

David's determination got him back to LeTourneau, where he received his degree to a standing ovation. Since then he has moved to Wichita, where he has become pretty well known.

Just recently a stranger, who apparently knew who David was, approached him on the street and said, "Man, you are such an inspiration to me -- God bless."

From a carefree college guy to a man of stature and wisdom, David is now fulfilling a new dream for himself.

"I'm glad I'm able to be an inspiration to others," he said.

(Senior Staff Writer Loretta Fulton contributed to this report.)