Today It Is All About Taking Five

Today is the day that summer officially starts at the Shore.  How do I know?   I have the swag to prove it.

It is the 45th annual Spring Lake Five Mile Run.  Truthfully, with no guarantee that I shall see or be able to run in the 50th annual edition of this race, this may very well be the final “milestone” iteration of this race in which I shall run.   I intend to enjoy it.   

-AK

 

'Cause Summer's Here

 

For as long as I can remember, I have been an avid Bruce Springsteen fan.  For as long as  I have been a Bruce Springsteen fan, Racing in the Street has been my favorite song.  Today, as Memorial Day Weekend heralds the beginning of the Summer of '23, even more than on any other day, it strikes an even more resounding chord.  

I have lived my entire life in a part of the world that experiences all four seasons.  While I am no fan of winter, I accept its presence in my life.  It exists to hone my appreciation for summer and for time spent in a place I love more than any other, the Jersey shore, with the person I love more than any other, Margaret, simply appreciating the life we have worked hard - and continue to work hard at daily - to make for ourselves and for our family.  

Life is not easy.  Then again, nothing worth doing ever is.  Again, this year we have made it through the winter and have arrived at our reward for our perseverance.  Summer's here.  The time is right.  Do yourself the great favor of not squandering any of it.  Not even a single second. 

-AK 

Her Own Hero

Hail, Hail, the Queen of Rock and Roll! 

The singularly extraordinary Tina Turner died yesterday.  She was 83 years old.  Her life was far from easy.  Her journey was nothing short of remarkable.  Her voice resided at the much-sought-after yet rarely-arrived at point of  intersection where power and sexiness meet. 

It is a neighborhood to which few singers ever pay a visit.  Tina Turner called it home.   

(C) Peter Lindbergh

She sang the truth when she declared she had no need for another hero.  She was the hero of her own life.   

-AK

All Their Road Running

Yesterday, Rick Hoyt died.   He was sixty-one years old.  Twenty-six months ago, his father Dick Hoyt died.  Dick Hoyt was eighty years old.   

This dynamic father/son combination began competing in races in 1977 when Rick asked his dad, then 36 years old and not a runner, if they could run in a 5K race that was a fundraiser for a classmate who had been paralyzed.  

Rick was born profoundly handicapped as a consequence of his umbilical cord becoming twisted around his neck.  Rather than institutionalize him, the Hoyts raised Rick in their home.  

Dick Hoyt always said that following that first race, Rick told his dad he loved running with him because when they ran, Rick did not feel disabled.   From that neighborhood 5K they forged not just the most dynamic of duos but, more importantly, an extraordinary force for good in the form of The Hoyt Foundation.   

Long may they run.

-AK

The Power of Silence

Food for thought for Memorial Day, courtesy of the good people at the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America:

-AK

A Day for Mom

May I suggest to those of you reading this piece whose mothers are alive, take J.K. Simmons' advice:

To my wife, my daughter, my daughter-in-law, my sisters, my sisters-in-law, and all of the extraordinary Moms who, every day, make life better for those they love, here is to hoping each of you enjoys the Mother's Day you so richly deserve.  

And for Mom and all the other mothers who are no longer here to celebrate the day, your presence is as keenly felt as your absence.  

-AK

Forever Buffs

Today is Graduation Day for the University of Colorado, Boulder’s Class of 2023.  Thirty-four years ago, it was the Class of 1989’s turn.  

CU Graduation 

May 12, 1989 B.B.

(Before Beard)

Actually, it was thirty-four years ago tomorrow.  I know because I keep my CU diploma framed on a wall in my office…and while my eyesight is not what it once was, I can still make out the date.  My thanks to whomever insisted on such large font.  

Passing of the Ceremonial Cap 

May 12, 1989

(Jay Bauer taking the handoff)

May this year’s graduating Buffaloes enjoy a day that shall resonate in their memory for at least the next thirty-four years.  May the days that follow this one bring them much luck, much love, and much peace.  

Mom and Me 

Graduation - May 12, 1989

(“Adsey” custom cap)

Shoulder to Shoulder.  Same as it ever was.  

-AK