Buffs Helping Buffs

 

Today on the campus of my Alma mater, CU Boulder, several hundred people are taking part in a simply terrific event.  It is the 11th Annual Buffs4Life Kyle MacIntosh Memorial 5K.  Buffs4Life is an organization established by - and overseen by - Buff alums who were student athletes to create a safety net for Buffs in need.  Kyle MacIntosh was an exceptional track-and-field athlete taken far too soon by an insidious disease.   

This year, as I have done every year since 2020 - when COVID forced the creation of a “virtual” event, I shall do my small part from here in the great Garden State.   For as a member of this particular herd, “Shoulder to Shoulder” is much more than a lyric from the fight song’s chorus.  It is a recognition of our commitment to one another.  

-AK

The Truest Companion

 

Thirty years ago today, Margaret and I got married.   One of the great mysteries of my life is why she ever agreed to such a clearly one-sided deal.   One of the other great mysteries of my life is why she has tolerated my bullshit for the past thirty years.   

May I never give her cause to start looking hard for the answer to either of those questions.  She is an amazing woman, my wife.  Absolutely extraordinary.   The default thing to say today might well be “Happy Anniversary!” but what I really want to say is “Thank you!”

Today.  Tomorrow.   And every day thereafter. 

-AK

Six Years Gone

 

Six years ago - today - my mother died.  Thirty-six years earlier - to the day - she had buried her husband/my father.  Mom was the epitome of a person who gave more to this world than she got from it.  She gave generously and asked for nothing in return.  Not from anyone.  Not ever.  

-AK 

Of Buttons and Blouses

My mother-in-law, Suzanne Bozzomo, died fourteen years ago today.  It makes me more than a little uncomfortable that I shall begin this day in Florida, several hundred miles away from Margaret and from Joe.  This is not an easy day for either of them.  Nor has it been for any of the past fourteen years.  

Then again, when someone you love completely - and who loved you that very same way - dies, the pain you feel never goes away.   Neither does the love.

-AK

Fifty Seven One Sixty Three

Forty-two years ago today, at the age of fifty-seven years and one hundred sixty-three days William P. Kenny, Sr. died.  He was my father.  At the time of his death, I was fourteen.  I am now fifty-six.   I have now reached the point of my existence where I have lived three times as long without my father as I lived with him.  

Song for Orphans

-Bruce Springsteen

For those keeping score at home - and I assure you I am - July 16, 2024 is circled on my calendar.  It shall mark the one hundred and sixty-fourth day of my fifty-seventh year.  I intend to get there.  I owe my father at least that much.  

-AK  

For Those Who Gave All

Today, as I have done in this space on this day since he first wrote it, I share with you something Rob wrote fifteen years ago.  Neither time nor distance from the moment of its creation have dimmed or dulled the weight and the wisdom of Rob's words - and the deep feelings that inspired them.  

 

Just A Thought

I started thinking in this time of war what this day means. It is for those who didn't come back. They didn't come back to their mothers, their wives or their kids. They stormed beaches, fought and died in foreign countries. All that returned was a box and a folded flag.

I recently attended a Springsteen concert in North Carolina. I traveled by plane through this American land because I could, because I am free - and because of the generosity of some good friends. As Springsteen played a song called "Last to Die" I got emotional. The song asks, "Who'll be the last to die...." presumably in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. It does not matter what you think of the American involvement in these wars. What does matter is that we remember these brave American servicemen and servicewomen.

Meanwhile I am enjoying a Springsteen concert, enjoying a beer and enjoying starting a career with the best government in the world; enjoying freedom. How can I do this? These are my brothers, my peers, guys my age fighting and dying. They volunteered so I didn't have to. They're not coming back to their favorite band, their favorite beer, their families or the state they grew up in.

Their children will not know their fathers. They will know only their sacrifice and some stories their mothers will tell. They sacrificed for someone they will never meet - you and me.

Remember them today.

-RJM

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

Photo Credit: Robert J. MacMaster 

(c) 2014

-AK

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