In the half century that I've been alive, I have only been to two funerals that had over 100 people there. Big Ken's funeral was one of them. His grandkids called him Grandy. He certainly was a grand man - standing 6'4" he was a big man but gentle by nature. He was quiet, not a big talker, but when he did talk, it was insightful, and ususally made YOU think, sometimes for hours after you had spoken with him. I called him Uncle, but he was really my cousin by marriage. He touched the lives of so many people - and it was amazing to see just how many in the church that day we were all paying our respects. Words that describe Big Ken are humble, honorable, devoted to God, teacher, coach, mentor - the example he set is hard to emulate, but I try daily. Big Ken made you think about your life choices and why you were making them. He would offer advice, but it was never judgemental. Big Ken was an icon who made a big impression on my life. He loved his garden too! ...
So I was that rare kid in High School that LOVED High School - I was involved in everything. The more activities, the better. National Honor Society, Student Government, Choir, Art, Theater, I was class Vice President, Cheerleading and Track. Not only was I voted class clown, but I was voted Most Spirited. So was Christy! (True Story) Perhaps it was because our school colors were red and white, and we drove a red and white Dodge Aspen, complete with crank sunroof. It really looked good when we were in our cheerleading uniforms! To be voted most spirited, people realized that you are motivational and positive. I credit this to my parents. They taught us to give everyting 100% even when you don't want to. No pain, no gain. Fake it till you make it!
