The archetype big brother has been written about before. To me, it's a mixed feeling of idolatry and comfort...that when he's with you, you feel no fear and an enormous sense of security.
It's camping in the cold, and being asked if you're warm...and when you answer "no", it's your big brother uncovering himself with one of only two blankets, draping you with both, then leaving the tent to find more firewood so he can add to the dwindling fire. I figure he did this without thinking because already his heart was warm enough. I figure too that he inherited his warm heart from our father.
How could I not feel this warm feeling of comfort when we were together, as there are many recollections like this...
Like the time my skin had been scorched by the Texas sun on a June fishing trip, and he of the same fare skin soaked towels in cold water and baking soda and laid them across my back.
Like the time when I was 15 and after violently breaking my ankle he sprinted a 1/2 mile to safety, cradling me in his arms like his own. It was the only time I ever wept in front of him. He never mentioned it.
And like the time he surprised me in CT, after just landing in NYC from France and making the three hour drive just to watch me pitch. It was the only time any of my family watched me play high school baseball. He made it for the first pitch. We won, and he took me to dinner that night where we had a celebratory beer. It was the first beer I'd ever had in a restaurant - he ordered it for himself and covered me (I was underage) as I proudly drank it.
It times like these that I miss about Kieron. He was the brother that people write about.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Kieron Go Bragh 2009
Goals give life more purpose, right? We accomplish some and fail at others. Success sometimes can be measured by those which we accomplish. Just as much, our failures quickly turn into valuable life lessons. Thus, establishing goals and pushing to meet them can only lead to good, even while failing.
My goal for the 2009 KGB 5k is 400 participants. That would be about double the amount of runners this year...very reachable. The long term goal is to find a cure for cognitive brain diseases...a dream of a goal, maybe impossible in my lifetime.
But if the race grows every year there is a chance.
Wanted to write this somewhere....400 4 2009 is the challenge for next year!
My goal for the 2009 KGB 5k is 400 participants. That would be about double the amount of runners this year...very reachable. The long term goal is to find a cure for cognitive brain diseases...a dream of a goal, maybe impossible in my lifetime.
But if the race grows every year there is a chance.
Wanted to write this somewhere....400 4 2009 is the challenge for next year!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Post Race
My family and I created Kieron Go Bragh Foundation and the Kieron Go Bragh 5k for a couple of reasons. First, there needed to be a charity in place to raise funds for Pick's Disease. In the medical world it's a relative unknown. Second, in the face of this God-awful tragedy that our family now knows, we were emotionally compelled to cling to something that might counter our deep sorrow and ensure that Kieron not be forgotten. Thus the name, Kieron Go Bragh, or, Kieron Forever.
Words cannot describe the sadness that one feels when a loved one is stricken with a terminal disease. I didn't know that until now...now, as reality has it, I know it very well and I wish it on no one. Watching the disease progress is hell. But what I witnessed this weekend at the race allowed me to draw a positive out the single most negative occurrence in my life.
We've never established a charitable foundation and so when we set out on this crusade in the summer of 2007 none of us really knew what to expect. We were just trying to make something worthwhile out of this unluckiness.
After the second annual Kieron Go Bragh 5k, I know the true meaning of gratitude, and thankfulness. To sit back and watch a fledgling cause grow into a real, vital, meaningful entity is in a word, fulfilling.
Several participants approached me over the weekend and thanked me and my family for putting on the race. But the real thanks goes to the Center for Brain Health and all its volunteers, Run On Texas who implemented all the logistics, and especially to all the runners and donors who contributed to the Kieron Go Bragh Foundation and "Ran for Research". Without all of you, our cause would still be fledgling.
The race grew by well over 100%, meaning research funds grew by that much too. We've now got momentum and head into the 2009 race with great expectations.
To the returning runners, to the new runners, to all the kind people who travelled from out of town to participate, to all those who sent in donations, the Finnegan family extends a warm thanks and big dose of gratitude. We're overwhelmed.
My brother Kieron was big on kind deeds. He'd think this massive showing of support and fight was something to talk about.
Let's keep the momentum strong and continue to make Kieron Go Bragh a known cause.
Thanks to everyone, and KIERON GO BRAGH-
Michael Finnegan
Words cannot describe the sadness that one feels when a loved one is stricken with a terminal disease. I didn't know that until now...now, as reality has it, I know it very well and I wish it on no one. Watching the disease progress is hell. But what I witnessed this weekend at the race allowed me to draw a positive out the single most negative occurrence in my life.
We've never established a charitable foundation and so when we set out on this crusade in the summer of 2007 none of us really knew what to expect. We were just trying to make something worthwhile out of this unluckiness.
After the second annual Kieron Go Bragh 5k, I know the true meaning of gratitude, and thankfulness. To sit back and watch a fledgling cause grow into a real, vital, meaningful entity is in a word, fulfilling.
Several participants approached me over the weekend and thanked me and my family for putting on the race. But the real thanks goes to the Center for Brain Health and all its volunteers, Run On Texas who implemented all the logistics, and especially to all the runners and donors who contributed to the Kieron Go Bragh Foundation and "Ran for Research". Without all of you, our cause would still be fledgling.
The race grew by well over 100%, meaning research funds grew by that much too. We've now got momentum and head into the 2009 race with great expectations.
To the returning runners, to the new runners, to all the kind people who travelled from out of town to participate, to all those who sent in donations, the Finnegan family extends a warm thanks and big dose of gratitude. We're overwhelmed.
My brother Kieron was big on kind deeds. He'd think this massive showing of support and fight was something to talk about.
Let's keep the momentum strong and continue to make Kieron Go Bragh a known cause.
Thanks to everyone, and KIERON GO BRAGH-
Michael Finnegan
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Kieron's tunes
It's late Thursday night, two eves before the second annual Kieron Go Bragh 5k. For the race this year I made a song list...
Like Kieron I'm not high on cliches but it was bittersweet selecting which songs to blair over the sound system down at Reverchon Park in a few days.
The criteria was easy for me. Kieron was into his music. I'm sure his taste in music was heavily influenced by his high school days in the late 70's and one year of prep school in New England in 1980. So, the song list has a heavy dose of the sign of those times: The Who, Pink Floyd, The Eagles and The Boss, who he became enamored with at the one year of boarding school.
But his taste was also peppered with artists like Sinatra, Neil Diamond, and Willie Nelson. I included singles off soundtracks from his favorite movies. Lastly, selfishly, I added some songs that reminded me of him.
Like most friends, we liked listening to music together. Songs evoke such powerful memories, thus the bitter sweetness of this exercise. Our favorite were old Springsteen songs. We'd set out on a road trip and a constant part of our preparation, other than loading up poles, a cooler, and our dog, was choosing the music for the drive.
Several songs come to mind tonite, but one especially is Springsteen's Fade Away, one of his less popular but all-time greats. Another more popular Boss song I'm reminded of is No Surrender, one we'd sing in awful unison. One verse always gets me, and brings me back to those drives:
"Well, now young faces grow sad and old, And hearts of fire grow cold, We swore blood brothers against the wind, Now I'm ready to grow young again"...
Born to Run was Kieron's favorite and in a way seems fitting for our event the day after tomorrow!
Like Kieron I'm not high on cliches but it was bittersweet selecting which songs to blair over the sound system down at Reverchon Park in a few days.
The criteria was easy for me. Kieron was into his music. I'm sure his taste in music was heavily influenced by his high school days in the late 70's and one year of prep school in New England in 1980. So, the song list has a heavy dose of the sign of those times: The Who, Pink Floyd, The Eagles and The Boss, who he became enamored with at the one year of boarding school.
But his taste was also peppered with artists like Sinatra, Neil Diamond, and Willie Nelson. I included singles off soundtracks from his favorite movies. Lastly, selfishly, I added some songs that reminded me of him.
Like most friends, we liked listening to music together. Songs evoke such powerful memories, thus the bitter sweetness of this exercise. Our favorite were old Springsteen songs. We'd set out on a road trip and a constant part of our preparation, other than loading up poles, a cooler, and our dog, was choosing the music for the drive.
Several songs come to mind tonite, but one especially is Springsteen's Fade Away, one of his less popular but all-time greats. Another more popular Boss song I'm reminded of is No Surrender, one we'd sing in awful unison. One verse always gets me, and brings me back to those drives:
"Well, now young faces grow sad and old, And hearts of fire grow cold, We swore blood brothers against the wind, Now I'm ready to grow young again"...
Born to Run was Kieron's favorite and in a way seems fitting for our event the day after tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
5k
The race is just 10 days away and most everything is in order. Last order of business is getting shirts printed. The design is complete and the printing process has begun. Thanks to Rubber Duck Creative for the great work on the website. Anything relative to creative, or graphics, Rich Harpel produced, and what exceptional work.
Means a good deal to me that lots of friends are coming in from out of town, all of whom knew Kieron well. I consider these friends family. They are sacrificing a weekend at their home in another state to come be a part of Kieron's foundation. Kieron would have thought this was pretty cool, that's for sure.
Emma is 21 months now and will be involved in the race. I'll be pushing her in a jogging stroller...now everyone has a chance to beat me this year, maybe.
MF, out
Means a good deal to me that lots of friends are coming in from out of town, all of whom knew Kieron well. I consider these friends family. They are sacrificing a weekend at their home in another state to come be a part of Kieron's foundation. Kieron would have thought this was pretty cool, that's for sure.
Emma is 21 months now and will be involved in the race. I'll be pushing her in a jogging stroller...now everyone has a chance to beat me this year, maybe.
MF, out
Friday, October 24, 2008
Kieron
Tonight under a cheap lantern I wish we were sitting on the bank at Hubbard catching catfish...we mastered that. I'm sorry bro.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
World Series
We never had the opportunity to see a World Series together, but Kieron and I went to several Ranger games. Like me, he liked all the homer teams - Cowboys, Mavs, and Rangers, and we had some of our most fun at both Arlington Stadium and The Ball Park at Arlington.
In 1995, the second year of the new Ballpark, we went to go see The Rangers play The KC Royals. So Kieron's 34 and I'm 28...too old to be involved in what occurred that night.
The Rangers won that night and we wanted to celebrate (like the win really mattered) at our favorite post-game spot, The Hyatt right near the Ballpark. We liked to go there b/c typically it was where the Ranger's opponents stayed (and drank after the game).
We had an ongoing competition of who could identify lesser-known pro athletes. Kieron was great at pointing out the non-marquis footballers, but sucked at baseball and was even worse at basketball. As I look back, we both knew this and it was one of the few competitions he conceded to me...t became a joke between us...when it came to football though, not only could he point them out, he could also tell you where they were from and where they played college ball.
So we grabbed a beer and started shuffleboard when the first Royal walked in, Vince Coleman. Coleman was winding down on a good (and volatile) career in 1995. He made his mark with the Cardinals as an outfielder and prominent base-stealer. At the time he was probably two or three years older than Kieron.
I immediately identified him...Kieron second-guessed me but I'm pretty sure he knew. So I upped the ante and said let's go to the bar, where Coleman was. It was still very early and there weren't but three or four others at the bar.
To prove to Kieron it was Vince Coleman I said to him, "hey Vince, how did you play tonight?" Again, this guy was a known jerk, and this was his response: "you went to the game, right?" I replied yes but I just wanted to ask his opinion (seriously, I was trying to prove to Kieron this was Vince Coleman). Coleman said, "we lost dumbass, so you tell me."
I'll write it here that I felt impervious when I was Kieron. Not because he was big and yoked, but because I felt a massive sense of security when he was with me. So, naturally I popped off and said, "my bad Mr. Superstar, I was only asking because when we left you were 0-3 and I was just wondering if u managed a hit in the last inning." Coleman became unglued and literally lunged at me from three stools over. A very minor scuffle ensued... Coleman was my size, which was 4 inches shorter and 30lbs lighter than Kieron, so Kieron easily got between us. But it was the typical "you're so lucky there's someone between us" courage.
Coleman, being the MLB player, convinced the place we were in the wrong so they booted us.
On the ride home he lectured me. "Why start s#@* with a pro-athlete? You've got to be smarter than that." I didn't tell him it was because he was there. Nor did I tell him "now you know it was Vince Coleman."
We attended lots of pro baseball games together but this is the one that sticks out.
With the World Series upon us I've got to get down to his place and watch another inning with him on the tube.
In 1995, the second year of the new Ballpark, we went to go see The Rangers play The KC Royals. So Kieron's 34 and I'm 28...too old to be involved in what occurred that night.
The Rangers won that night and we wanted to celebrate (like the win really mattered) at our favorite post-game spot, The Hyatt right near the Ballpark. We liked to go there b/c typically it was where the Ranger's opponents stayed (and drank after the game).
We had an ongoing competition of who could identify lesser-known pro athletes. Kieron was great at pointing out the non-marquis footballers, but sucked at baseball and was even worse at basketball. As I look back, we both knew this and it was one of the few competitions he conceded to me...t became a joke between us...when it came to football though, not only could he point them out, he could also tell you where they were from and where they played college ball.
So we grabbed a beer and started shuffleboard when the first Royal walked in, Vince Coleman. Coleman was winding down on a good (and volatile) career in 1995. He made his mark with the Cardinals as an outfielder and prominent base-stealer. At the time he was probably two or three years older than Kieron.
I immediately identified him...Kieron second-guessed me but I'm pretty sure he knew. So I upped the ante and said let's go to the bar, where Coleman was. It was still very early and there weren't but three or four others at the bar.
To prove to Kieron it was Vince Coleman I said to him, "hey Vince, how did you play tonight?" Again, this guy was a known jerk, and this was his response: "you went to the game, right?" I replied yes but I just wanted to ask his opinion (seriously, I was trying to prove to Kieron this was Vince Coleman). Coleman said, "we lost dumbass, so you tell me."
I'll write it here that I felt impervious when I was Kieron. Not because he was big and yoked, but because I felt a massive sense of security when he was with me. So, naturally I popped off and said, "my bad Mr. Superstar, I was only asking because when we left you were 0-3 and I was just wondering if u managed a hit in the last inning." Coleman became unglued and literally lunged at me from three stools over. A very minor scuffle ensued... Coleman was my size, which was 4 inches shorter and 30lbs lighter than Kieron, so Kieron easily got between us. But it was the typical "you're so lucky there's someone between us" courage.
Coleman, being the MLB player, convinced the place we were in the wrong so they booted us.
On the ride home he lectured me. "Why start s#@* with a pro-athlete? You've got to be smarter than that." I didn't tell him it was because he was there. Nor did I tell him "now you know it was Vince Coleman."
We attended lots of pro baseball games together but this is the one that sticks out.
With the World Series upon us I've got to get down to his place and watch another inning with him on the tube.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Footprints
With the 5k just around the corner, we're all in high gear with planning/managing the race. I like being in this mode because it deflects those helpless feelings of anguish and sorrow for Kieron. The website is nearly done and will be up and live by tomorrow. All the elements of the race are falling into place and I'm looking forward to another weekend where Kieron's loved ones, friends and supporters can gather and share about Kieron and the disease.
Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the showing of support and generosity for this cause. I've been thinking about a particular gesture by a friend this week that exemplifies this type of kindness and care.
Brad Strenger and I have played together in basketball and softball leagues in and around Frisco for the last three or four years. This past weekend I was telling him about the 5k and the post-party at the Tipp Inn afterwards. Then I told him a little bit about Kieron and the disease. Genuinely, he expressed care and sadness, and I could tell he was struck. I haven't told many who did not know Kieoron...probably because it is so completely depressing, and why drop such sorrow on others. Because of Brad's reaction, and what ensued, I have a different opinion...
I got a call from Brad the next day...he wanted to talk more about Kieron. Brad's a psychology student at UTD and has an upcoming presentation. His assignment, a very broad one, is to discuss for 20 minutes any health matter. He chose to speak on Pick's Disease and The Kieron Go Bragh Foundation. At the end of his talk, he is going to pass out information on the Nov 8th 5k and the foundation.
It all gels because the clinic that diagnosed Kieron is the UTD Center for Brain Health. But more than that, Kieron and Brad would have hit it off. Kieron spent lots of time fishing and watching/playing sports with me and my friends. In turn, my buddies became his buddies. Kieron would have liked Brad because he's unpretentious, plays hard-nose defense, drinks beer, and is serious about his studies. I write this with a smile, but ask anyone close to Kieron and they would agree.
One last thought...Debbie Francis is the Board Chair at the UTD Center for Brain Health. In our first meeting last year to discuss the Kieron Go Bragh Foundation and 5k, she said something to me that left an indelible impression. In dealing with a terminal disease of a loved one, she mentioned how important it was to leave "footprints". When educating people on a disease, especially a rare one like Pick's, it's vital to spread the word whenever appropriate. The message behind footprints is this: the positive results are immeasurable, because who knows what may become of the footprints you leave. Brad's initiative reminds me of Debbie's thoughtful insight.
Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the showing of support and generosity for this cause. I've been thinking about a particular gesture by a friend this week that exemplifies this type of kindness and care.
Brad Strenger and I have played together in basketball and softball leagues in and around Frisco for the last three or four years. This past weekend I was telling him about the 5k and the post-party at the Tipp Inn afterwards. Then I told him a little bit about Kieron and the disease. Genuinely, he expressed care and sadness, and I could tell he was struck. I haven't told many who did not know Kieoron...probably because it is so completely depressing, and why drop such sorrow on others. Because of Brad's reaction, and what ensued, I have a different opinion...
I got a call from Brad the next day...he wanted to talk more about Kieron. Brad's a psychology student at UTD and has an upcoming presentation. His assignment, a very broad one, is to discuss for 20 minutes any health matter. He chose to speak on Pick's Disease and The Kieron Go Bragh Foundation. At the end of his talk, he is going to pass out information on the Nov 8th 5k and the foundation.
It all gels because the clinic that diagnosed Kieron is the UTD Center for Brain Health. But more than that, Kieron and Brad would have hit it off. Kieron spent lots of time fishing and watching/playing sports with me and my friends. In turn, my buddies became his buddies. Kieron would have liked Brad because he's unpretentious, plays hard-nose defense, drinks beer, and is serious about his studies. I write this with a smile, but ask anyone close to Kieron and they would agree.
One last thought...Debbie Francis is the Board Chair at the UTD Center for Brain Health. In our first meeting last year to discuss the Kieron Go Bragh Foundation and 5k, she said something to me that left an indelible impression. In dealing with a terminal disease of a loved one, she mentioned how important it was to leave "footprints". When educating people on a disease, especially a rare one like Pick's, it's vital to spread the word whenever appropriate. The message behind footprints is this: the positive results are immeasurable, because who knows what may become of the footprints you leave. Brad's initiative reminds me of Debbie's thoughtful insight.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
More football
OU lost in a shootout, ND lost to North Carolina, and Cowboys lost in an exciting, bizarre game to the unpredictable Cards.
To me, a Sooner and Cowboy fan to the end, and a ND follower b/c of Kieron and my dad, this meant a weekend full of heartbreak.
But Kieron was a different fan of football. One would never know he actually had an allegiance to a particular team. Not that it was below him to follow and be a fan of the sport, but he looked at it differently. He was a hs quaterback and knew x's and o's, but he cared less about the outcome of a game as he did about the excitement, rivalry, and spirit of a particular contest. He would pay as much attention to the expressions of a diehard fan (ME or some stranger sitting 10 rows below us), and/or the specifics of a beautifully executed play as he would the score. Relative to football, his own, unique way of expressing himself is what made Kieron Kieron.
To me, a Sooner and Cowboy fan to the end, and a ND follower b/c of Kieron and my dad, this meant a weekend full of heartbreak.
But Kieron was a different fan of football. One would never know he actually had an allegiance to a particular team. Not that it was below him to follow and be a fan of the sport, but he looked at it differently. He was a hs quaterback and knew x's and o's, but he cared less about the outcome of a game as he did about the excitement, rivalry, and spirit of a particular contest. He would pay as much attention to the expressions of a diehard fan (ME or some stranger sitting 10 rows below us), and/or the specifics of a beautifully executed play as he would the score. Relative to football, his own, unique way of expressing himself is what made Kieron Kieron.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
College football
Well into fall which means college football galore, Kieron's favorite time of year.
This weekend is the Red River Shootout, OU vs UT. Not sure how many of these I attended with Kieron but there were many. Kieron, me, and my dad relished weekends like this, whether it was being at the game live or watching on tv at our parent's house.
As the state of things has it today, the fall - football season - is sadly, entirely different. Gearing up for the weekend preparing for two days of grilling, convening with family, throwing the football and watching college football on Saturday and the Cowboys on Sunday now takes on a new approach. Without talking betting stratgey and how OU, Notre Dame and how the Cowboys might fare against their respective opponents, something seems amiss.
We grew up die-hard Cowboy fans because we were so close to them, not only b/c of geography but also that Tex Schram was our dad's boss at one time. He would never let on to it, but Kieron loved it when the Cowyboys won and just the same hated to see them lose.
In 1981 against the Dolphins, Kieron and I went to the game with our dad. Dad was working and as was most often the case left at halftime. Thankfully we were in two cars...Kieron was 20 and old enough to drive and I was 14. Dallas was getting beat by two td's late in the 4th quarter so most of the crowd at Texas Stadium had left. We took advantage of the open seating and from the Stadium Club spotted seats open on the Cowboys side down near midfield.
So here we were, within spitting distance of our heros - Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson, Too Tall Jones - not caring about the lopsided score as much as we were about the excitement of being so close. I was ecstacic...I was with my big brother, who I idolized, on a school night, watching up- close and personal the Cowboys!
Low and behold they came back and won the game in the final minutes. The final score was 28-27. Those who stayed witnessed one of the greatest last-mintue comebacks in Cowboy's history. Kieron and I were in heaven. We jumped up and down and feverishly slapped each others hands as Danny White completed pass after pass in the two-minute offense.
There is a special aura about the fall and football in Texas. Kieron loved it. I love it too and wish I could steal another football weekend in the fall where my brother and I could be fans together.
This weekend is the Red River Shootout, OU vs UT. Not sure how many of these I attended with Kieron but there were many. Kieron, me, and my dad relished weekends like this, whether it was being at the game live or watching on tv at our parent's house.
As the state of things has it today, the fall - football season - is sadly, entirely different. Gearing up for the weekend preparing for two days of grilling, convening with family, throwing the football and watching college football on Saturday and the Cowboys on Sunday now takes on a new approach. Without talking betting stratgey and how OU, Notre Dame and how the Cowboys might fare against their respective opponents, something seems amiss.
We grew up die-hard Cowboy fans because we were so close to them, not only b/c of geography but also that Tex Schram was our dad's boss at one time. He would never let on to it, but Kieron loved it when the Cowyboys won and just the same hated to see them lose.
In 1981 against the Dolphins, Kieron and I went to the game with our dad. Dad was working and as was most often the case left at halftime. Thankfully we were in two cars...Kieron was 20 and old enough to drive and I was 14. Dallas was getting beat by two td's late in the 4th quarter so most of the crowd at Texas Stadium had left. We took advantage of the open seating and from the Stadium Club spotted seats open on the Cowboys side down near midfield.
So here we were, within spitting distance of our heros - Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson, Too Tall Jones - not caring about the lopsided score as much as we were about the excitement of being so close. I was ecstacic...I was with my big brother, who I idolized, on a school night, watching up- close and personal the Cowboys!
Low and behold they came back and won the game in the final minutes. The final score was 28-27. Those who stayed witnessed one of the greatest last-mintue comebacks in Cowboy's history. Kieron and I were in heaven. We jumped up and down and feverishly slapped each others hands as Danny White completed pass after pass in the two-minute offense.
There is a special aura about the fall and football in Texas. Kieron loved it. I love it too and wish I could steal another football weekend in the fall where my brother and I could be fans together.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Backgammon
Growing up Kieron and I played hours and hours of backgammon. He learned to play in prep school - don't know why but backgammon is a staple at NE prep schools - and when he came home for Christmas in 1980 he taught me the game. I went to the same school three years later a seasoned backgammoner, and still play several times a week.
We loved to play against each other. At first it was that teacher/student element and I was just glad to be there. But later on our matches became heated much like our competitive games of one on one in hoops. Backgammon is an ironic, funny game. To me it's the oxymoron of games. You count on absolute luck at the start of every move, and rely on skill to finish it.
I played last night til dawn online. I wonder how many times I thought to myself "how would Kieron play this roll". Not because he's sick, or because I miss him, but because he taught me the game and how to best use every possible dice combination. Sometimes a roll of 1-2 can top your opponents roll of 6-6.
Not really any parellels between Backgammon and Pick's Disease. But there are between backgammon and everyday life. Like the game, life is funny; it's ironic; luck plays a huge part in all of our lives -unluckiness plays as big a part. Kieron was heavy on intellect and truly was a unique thinker. He was a voracious reader and worked on his own writings just as hard. He taught English and Literature to college freshmen and adults in continuing education. He was a tutor. He relied on his eduaction and knowledge of the classics...it was his livlihood. It's ironic and brutally funny that Pick's Disease - a cryptonite-like poison of the mind- afflicted someone like Kieron. How could Kieron be robbed of his mind of all things? It'd be like Michael Phelps drowning...
We loved to play against each other. At first it was that teacher/student element and I was just glad to be there. But later on our matches became heated much like our competitive games of one on one in hoops. Backgammon is an ironic, funny game. To me it's the oxymoron of games. You count on absolute luck at the start of every move, and rely on skill to finish it.
I played last night til dawn online. I wonder how many times I thought to myself "how would Kieron play this roll". Not because he's sick, or because I miss him, but because he taught me the game and how to best use every possible dice combination. Sometimes a roll of 1-2 can top your opponents roll of 6-6.
Not really any parellels between Backgammon and Pick's Disease. But there are between backgammon and everyday life. Like the game, life is funny; it's ironic; luck plays a huge part in all of our lives -unluckiness plays as big a part. Kieron was heavy on intellect and truly was a unique thinker. He was a voracious reader and worked on his own writings just as hard. He taught English and Literature to college freshmen and adults in continuing education. He was a tutor. He relied on his eduaction and knowledge of the classics...it was his livlihood. It's ironic and brutally funny that Pick's Disease - a cryptonite-like poison of the mind- afflicted someone like Kieron. How could Kieron be robbed of his mind of all things? It'd be like Michael Phelps drowning...
Sunday, September 28, 2008
First Post
One of Kieron's favorites passed away this weekend, Paul Newman. Those close to Kieron spent many of nights watching Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, and Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. Who would have known Luke's passing would go unnoticed by his biggest fan.
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