Forever Buffs

Mom died sixty-three months ago today.  She is missed every day.  Some days, such as today, I miss her even more than usual.   

I am the youngest of six Kenny siblings and 1/3 of us (Jill and I) graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder.   When Joe (Jill's husband) is included in the count, you add a third Buff to Mom's herd.  

I'm smiling because I've graduated.

Mom? Because she'd made her last tuition payment

Boulder, Colorado - May 12, 1989

Ten CU alumni were killed on September 11, 2001.  I did not know any of them.  Annually, when the Missus and I make our pilgrimage into lower Manhattan for the Tunnel to Towers 5K on September's final weekend, we place flags at several names at the September 11 Memorial, including at the names of all ten Buffs.  

Three years ago, in October 2019, Clay Bonneyman Evans contacted me and asked me for a few minutes to discuss the placement of these flags for a piece he wrote for the Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine, which piece helps honor the memories of those ten Buffs.   Today, we remember and honor them - and the late, great Joanie K. - by remembering the life each led and the family each left behind.  

Shoulder to Shoulder.   Same as it ever was.  Same as it shall always be. 

-AK