Kindness

An Impromtu High School Reunion.

April 21, 2009

Last Tuesday an old friend from High School passed away. He had been quite sick for a year or so and finally his body could just take no more.

I feel terrible because despite being a photographer at school for yearbook and slideshows, all the photos I took (which I am sure there were some of him) remained at the school. And I didn’t carry my camera like an extra limb back then as I do now. So I have none to share of this man who was truly larger than life.

I will be the first to admit that I was not his best friend, but more of an acquaintance. His brother was actually more of my friend back in school but if you were friends with one you were friends with the other. They were a mere 11 months apart and inseparable. Together with two (and eventually a third) other guys they formed a band. I remember the first concert they performed at a local mall. We all got our parents to drive us out there to watch the guys perform. The mall was packed. To watch a bunch of fifteen and sixteen year old guys playing their hearts out to songs by U2, the Beatles, AC/DC and more as well as a few of their own. Over the years I went to countless of their concerts and saw them every day at school.

Then, High School was over. A few years went by and I did not see any of them. Until one night (possibly 1993/1994) when a girlfriend and I went to see a cover band play, and low and behold it was them! This was the last time I saw all of them together. Little did I know the only one I would see again and again over the years was Kirk.

Kirk and I would run into each other at the grocery store, the mall, around the neighborhood. We always chatted it up and found out what was new in each others lives. Never once did he say he was in a rush and had to go, he always had a moment to spare and check in. And always, always had a smile and a laugh to carry you through.

On Friday night, I got into the car and drove to say a last farewell. I was nervous I tell ya. I knew I was going to see people I haven’t seen in twenty years. Yes, TWENTY YEARS people!!! I am that old. I figured, I would go have a few words with his brother, Keith and his Mom and go on my way. Little did I know that I would run into and be recognized by half of our class. The turn out was amazing. Many of the old group have stayed in touch over the years, but I didn’t quite hang with that group all the time. One of the things that I found truly amazing on Friday night was meeting up with all these people that had their lives touched by Kirk. Touched in some way that, like me, made them feel like they should go. I didn’t know if I would be able to make it to the service on Saturday, so I said my good-byes and headed out.

I talked with Hubby about Saturday. We had to rejig some plans, but I was able to get out. I asked if he wanted to come as he had jammed with the guys years ago in his heyday of guitar as well. He was set to stay with the kids as he didn’t think it was fair to get my Mom to watch them after her three week stint with my nieces and nephews.

I arrived just in time, to see even more people from our class than the previous night. Kirk was involved in the Ottawa Music scene and had been Managing or Producing (not sure which is the appropriate title) a hot new band out of Kingston named Everlea who he had signed in this past year to a record label. His brother Keith not only played and sang for his brother but arranged for others who Kirk had worked with to sing. It was the most beautiful tribute I have ever seen. Not only did Keith tell us all how much he loved his brother, but he showed us as well and had us laughing just a little bit.

I could probably go on an on but, I should end here. I have been trying to write this post since Sunday morning and I just couldn’t get it out.

Kirk you were a great guy. You were kind, gentle and loved by many. You touched the lives of so many people and it was evident by the crowds that gathered for you that you will surely be missed.

9 comments

Categories: Kindness, Misc., Music

300 Plus Years

July 21, 2008

And this Church is still standing. It is located in Laurel, Delaware, not far from my Aunt’s house. I have been to Laurel many times over the years, but I never noticed this little Church. If you didn’t know it was a Church you would think it was a barn and keep on driving.

One of the days that we were at my Aunt’s house and heading out to do a bit of shopping, Hubby remembered seeing this Church in a book on my Aunt’s coffee table the year before. Hubby loves old buildings and Churches and is always wanting to stop and look at them. We looked it up in the book and got the address onto his GPS and headed over. It was beautiful. Not that it is fancy or anything, but the sheer fact that it was built 300 years ago using timber from the land and iron from the Nanticoke Indian Tribe. And the fact that it has boxed seating and the interior has remained unpainted for 300 years is amazing.

I guess you are wondering how I know all this? Well, after Hubby took a walk about, I got the kids out and wanted to take some photos. When I was finishing up and we were getting ready to pack everybody back in the truck a little red car pulled up. I was thinking, that we were going to be in trouble for parking on the land or walking around or something, but no. The couple that pulled up asked us, “How would you like to take a look inside?”. How would we, we would love it!!! They were the keepers of the Church! They attend the Christ Church in Town and nobody had been taking care of the Church for a few years, so they offered to do it. There are at least four weddings a year, one of which was theirs some 20 years ago, and every Sunday the Pastor holds services there during the summer.

Here is a photo from inside the Church. Each box was owned by a family, the pulpit is on the right wall (This photo has it cut off a bit), and there is a balcony for visitors, which is where I took this photo from. The couple wanted to open all the windows for us, but I stopped them at one. It was such a treat to be able to see inside this piece of history, we felt blessed. For all the years I have been going to Delaware, it was nice to see a little something extra.

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Categories: Holidays, Kindness, Photography, The Beach, Uncategorized

Stuck

March 11, 2008

This truck was way down the street today, when I saw them down there I said to myself I sure hope they are going to back up because they will never make this corner. Well they tried. I blured out the names and stuff because I feel terrible for them. Have you ever made a mistake and felt like an idiot. Well, guess how this guy feels. I know. I talked to them.

With all my neighbours that have construction companies and groundskeeping companies you would think that someone had salt. The truck was spinning on ice. I had no salt left, but I had earth. It helped, not enough. He was spinning and smoking, mad as all get out. But, I knew if he hit pavement and got going the way he was spinning there was going to be damage. Either to a house, car or the truck. I offered a few things. Then they called a tow truck. So, I offered my washrooms and some drinks. I offered to make coffee and send them out with snacks. They were content with the washroom and the soda.

They got stuck around 4pm. It is now 8:15pm and they are still sitting out there waiting. They are blocking three full driveways, if not four. We don’t care we have no where to go. But, just imagine feeling like and idiot and having people come by and remind you of it (several of my neighbours have yelled at them. What are they supposed to do?). Well, I decided to go the other way and try to kill them with kindness. I hope in their bad day that at least they got a kick out of me trying to make their day better. J thought they were cool and Apple was oblivious. My dogs sniffed and snarfled them and Hubby on one hand didn’t want to invite them in for dinner (I made enough) but wanted me to go out and check on them. They would have almost been home by now (they are on their way to Toronto) but instead they are stuck in our neighbourhood.

9 comments

Categories: Kindness

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Kindness

An Impromtu High School Reunion.

300 Plus Years

Stuck

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