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!
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4 comments:
Michael, the memory of you and your brothers loading up your "stuff" for another fishing trip is right there before me.
Than I can almost see the three of you coming home all wet and full of mud (including dog); seldom with fish.
It is a fond memory but oh so sad.
m.
It's now one day after the race and I can not fall back to sleep. So, I hope writing will make me sleepy again.
I awoke with Kieron heavily on my mind with a recall of yesterday's events and what is yet to come of our brother. On Thursday of last week, I had a very peaceful thought about Kieron, but now it's gone today. I hope I can return to the thought again. The Thursday thought was I was happy Kieron experienced what he did before the disease, so for maybe 30-35 years while living on Planet Earth. He read many, many books during his vibrant years -- he was a seeker of knowledge and creativity. He traveled: he studied abroad in France; fell in love while there in Paris. He taught in Cairo, Egypt; swam in the Red Sea. As Michael mentioned, music was his companion as well as books -- he read more book than most people will read in a life time. Keek enjoyed sports -- played and talked sports A LOT! He taught his passion which was English Literature; spent time creating curriculums which would entice his young students. Kieron embraced all what is mentioned above including his family and heritage. I always knew when Kieron was with us, he really did not long to be anywhere else -- we were his family -- his tribe to share and explore his thoughts. I hope I can return to appreciating what Kieron experienced during his healthy years -- right now, I'm just sad his joys will not deepen nor be shared anymore. We love Kieron and I'm sorry I did not watch all of Sophie's Choice with you ("Friends First!").
KIERON GO BRAGH, 5k
Kieron's race last Saturday was very successful, lots more racers and their dogs. The weather was beautiful and I could hear Kieron saying "not a cloud in the sky".
We raised a generous amount for the Center for Brain Health research and will continue next year. Thank you, Christine and Michael.
I wish that I could do more for my beautiful son -- like make him Kieron just one more day.
s.
To all the Finnegans,
Elise got in touch with Christine and called me to tell me about Kieron and this devastating disease that has taken him away from all of you. I am heartsick for you; there is no way to understand what you and Kieron are going through. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers frequently. I'm so glad you've set up the foundation to bring more awareness and knowledge of Pick's Disease. I hope the Run this year is a huge success.
Love, Dana
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