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# Sharon's Strength: Kim's Journey and Bryan's Battle

As the months passed, the Humpherys family continued to navigate the complexities of life, carrying Ray's memory with them, finding strength in their shared heritage, and cherishing the bonds that held them together. They had faced tragedy before, and they knew that they would face it again. But they also knew that they were not alone, that they had each other, and that the love and support of their family would always be there to guide them through the darkest of times.

His absence was felt daily. His memory was cherished always. The mystery of his passing remained, a poignant reminder of life's fragility and the enduring power of love. The backpack remained, a symbol of adventure, exploration, and the unanswered questions that would forever linger in the hearts of those who loved him.

But life, ever relentless, moved forward. The sun continued to rise over the Wyoming landscape, casting its golden light on new beginnings and unforeseen challenges. And for Sharon Humpherys, a new chapter was about to unfold, a chapter marked by both profound love and unimaginable hardship.

Sharon, a daughter of Dean and Neva, possessed a quiet strength that belied her gentle demeanor. She had inherited her mother's meticulous nature and her father's unwavering compassion, qualities that would serve her well in the years to come. Her life, like that of her siblings, had been shaped by the values of faith, family, and hard work, a legacy passed down through generations.

In the tapestry of the Humpherys family, Sharon's thread was interwoven with that of her daughter, Kim, now known as Kimberly Ann, a vibrant and spirited woman with a passion for barrel racing and a deep love for her family. Kim, with her infectious laughter and unwavering determination, embodied the resilience that had always defined the Humpherys clan.

The year 2017, as chronicled in the family newsletter, found Kim living a life filled with purpose and passion. She was working with special needs children, a calling that brought her immense satisfaction and allowed her to make a positive impact on the lives of others. She was also pursuing her love for horses, competing in barrel races across the region and honing her skills as a rider.

But as the year progressed, a new challenge emerged, a threat that would test Kim's strength and resilience in ways she could never have imagined. Her husband, Bryan, a man known for his love of hunting and his unwavering support for Kim's dreams, fell ill.

The diagnosis was swift and devastating: West Nile Virus, which had progressed to meningitis, causing swelling of the brain. In a matter of days, Bryan went from a picture of health to a gravely ill patient, his life hanging in the balance.

Kim's world was shattered. The man she loved, her partner in life, was fighting for his very existence. The fear and uncertainty were overwhelming, but Kim refused to succumb to despair. She drew upon her inner strength, her unwavering faith, and the support of her family to face this new challenge head-on.

The newsletters from this period offer a glimpse into the harrowing journey that Kim and Bryan embarked upon. They speak of long days and sleepless nights in the hospital, of agonizing decisions and moments of profound hope. They also reveal the incredible outpouring of love and support from the Humpherys family, who rallied around Kim and Bryan, offering prayers, encouragement, and practical assistance.

As Sharon recounted in her 2021 newsletter, "Shortly after that Bryan got sick. Many of you may have followed my posts during this time so I'll try not to repeat too much. Bryan was diagnosed with West Nile Virus, which brought on meningitis (swelling of the brain) In a matter of 2 days he went from perfectly healthy to gravely ill. He spent 7 weeks in the hospital. The first 2 weeks he could not move or talk. We almost lost him."

Mandy, Kim's daughter, stepped up to provide invaluable support, becoming a lifeline for her mother during this difficult time. She helped care for Bryan, managed the horses, and provided emotional support to Kim, who was struggling to cope with the overwhelming stress.

Kim, in her own words, described the experience as a testament to the goodness of Heavenly Father. "Almost every day I could feel his direction and guidance," she wrote. "It was hard. My Mandy was a lifeline for me. Bryan is still doing physical therapy and that will continue for a while. He is a walking miracle. We have a ways to go yet, but we are working thru it together and that is a blessing."

The family newsletters also reveal the impact of Bryan's illness on Kim's career. She had recently been hired as a Paraprofessional working with special needs kids, a job she loved and felt called to do. But when Bryan fell ill, she made the difficult decision to quit her job to focus on his care.

"I quit my job as a para to take care of Bryan and the horses," she explained. "My testimony thru all of this has been the goodness of our Heavenly Father."

The decision to prioritize family over career was a reflection of the values that had been instilled in Kim from a young age. She understood the importance of being there for those you love, of putting their needs before your own, and of making sacrifices for the greater good.

As Bryan slowly recovered, Kim found solace and purpose in caring for the horses. "Caring for the horses has been a life saver for me," she wrote. "It has kept me out of my own head and has given me a purpose to keep going. I'm forever thankful that I fell hard for a little horse named Babe many years ago. That addiction has only grown stronger."

The horses, with their gentle nature and unwavering loyalty, provided Kim with a much-needed escape from the stresses of Bryan's illness. They were a source of comfort, companionship, and a reminder of the beauty and resilience of life.

The family newsletters also highlight Kim's accomplishments as a barrel racer. Despite the challenges she faced, she continued to compete, finding strength and inspiration in the sport she loved. In May, she qualified to run in the State NBHA finals in Rapid City, a testament to her skill and determination.

"The highlight of this race for me was it was the last time I raced Hollie," she wrote. "We won a buckle at this finals. She and I have won lots of cool stuff over the years and some money, but we had never won a buckle together. To win it at the state finals was special for me."

The victory was particularly meaningful because it was shared with her daughter, Sophia, who also competed in the youth division. "Sophia also ran Hollie in the youth division and did amazing," Kim wrote. "She won some money and also would have won a buckle, but she tipped in the second race."

Kim's pride in Sophia's accomplishments was evident in every word. She recognized her daughter's talent and dedication, and she was grateful for the opportunity to share her love for horses with the next generation.

The story of Sharon, Kim, and Bryan is a testament to the enduring power of love, commitment, and resilience. It is a story of facing adversity with courage and grace, of finding strength in family and faith, and of cherishing the moments that make life meaningful.

As the Humpherys family continued to navigate the complexities of life, they drew strength from their shared heritage, their unwavering values, and the enduring bonds that tied them together. They had faced tragedy before, and they knew that they would face it again. But they also knew that they were not alone, that they had each other, and that the love and support of their family would always be there to guide them through the darkest of times.

As the sun set over the Wyoming landscape, casting long shadows across the valley, the story of Sharon, Kim, and Bryan served as a reminder that even in the midst of hardship, hope can endure, and love can triumph. Their journey, etched in the annals of the Humpherys family history, would continue to inspire and guide generations to come.

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