Anniversary

I spent most of today thinking about 50 years ago.

I remember leafing through my mother's "year" books, each one the size of an encyclopedia, each one a tome of history for that year. I often turned to 1963 and read of the assassination. I looked through the black and white pictures of the tragedy. And I thought of how long ago that was. 

Today, I realized that '63 was only 14 years before my birth. Not that long ago. And I realized how the course of events over 14 years can change the world.

I often compose these posts in my mind as I travel home from the ice arena. And while I wanted to write about JFK, my mind shifted to other things.

Tonight, I worked with several close friends. They always ask about my family. They always ask about my mother. As I started the night, it was with a light heart and I was focused on the task ahead. Post game, as I looked through my email, things changed.

Mom is fighting again. Not that she ever stopped. Her body has fought, the drugs have fought and the science has found different ways to make things work. That has changed once again. Her cancer has moved into her shoulder, her neck and is active again in her liver.

With this comes a great deal of emotion. Fear. Love. 

I know she will once again pick up her gauntlet and fight. I know we will stand beside her, our friends will stand beside us and strangers we have never known will help her through.

As I walked out, a second friend asked how my family was and my answer had changed.

My drive home was lifted by music. My eyes were wet but my soul was strong. Songs of old, memories in black and white sifted through my mind and guided me to my door.

And now, here we go again.

"Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war..."

Mom, we will all cast aside those ensigns of peace. We too shall carry this gauntlet with you.

Anniversary

Most of the time, I hope Anthony is off riding endless singletrack. Or taking another wonderful picture. Or still sponsored by a bike company AND a beer company.

All of the time, I miss him.

Class Act

I've been going to Avalanche games for years now. About 10 years ago, our friend moved her seats from the lower bowl up to the club level. Our server, Paul, soon became a friend and we look forward to seeing him just as much as we do seeing the game. 

Paul's late wife, a Denver City Councilwoman passed away a year ago yesterday. Paul came over to the seats and sat and talked with me for quite some time before the game got underway. I think yesterday was a tough day for him but it felt good to sit with an old friend and chat. He is planning a bicycling holiday this summer, taking a train west and then riding north along the Pacific coast before cutting back toward home and Colorado.

Paul is unlike most other servers. He is outgoing, loves life, extremely personable and always quick with a smile. He runs tabs for all his customers rather than taking a credit card at the start of the game. He'd rather treat us all like respectable adults rather than being suspicious of everyone.

Last night, a random patron just to the right of us walked out on the tab. When Paul came to settle up with our row, he found the guy was missing. As we settled our tab, one of my friends looked at me and asked if it would be appropriate for us to cover the walkouts tab. I told him to ask Paul and my friend proceeded to cover the drinks for the walkout.

My friend had no idea of the significance of last night to Paul. The anniversary. The grief. Or the fact that my friend made a tough day much brighter.

I want to grow up to be like him.

7/8/09 - 37 Years

It's funny, anniversary dates have not meant much to me in the past. Perhaps since, for the longest time, I did not have one. I was aware that family, friends and colleagues would celebrate the yearly occurrence but the significance of these dates was quite ethereal to me. It almost seemed to me like just another year to be viewed with the same irrelevance which I regard my birthday.

But as I grow, I learn.

It is not simply another year. An anniversary is the celebration of life together. Love shared. Hardships overcome. Joy seen from a pair of eyes that also see as one.

Days often seem to fly by and intermingle with the next. It is not often that we slow down and take pause to reflect on the life we lead as individuals, as pairs and as groups. And it is oh so important to remember to not let life pass us by but to relish each of the days life grants to us.

I spent a few days at home in the past week visiting with family. I saw my childhood house as a place that does not only harbor old memories for my parents. They have continued to add new memories to the house. Rock walls. A patio. Bee hives. Running water.

And I now look at my parents with greater awe. The life they continue to create and nurture with each other. The guidance they can offer to me as a new parent who aspires to follow their lead. I realize what an accomplishment it is to spend 37 years together and to continue to be happy, in love and never tired of each others company.

Happy anniversary Mom and Dad!