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
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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.
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