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06/13/2006 02:20:13 AM · #1 |
Well June 12th is finally gone and I hope I pull out of the depressed state that I was in yesterday. Twenty-seven years ago on June 12th, 1979 I lost a very good friend. We had just graduated from the eight grade on the Friday before. Saturday his mother promised to take them swimming if the cleaned the house as she asked. He and his sisters did just that and late that evening his mother took the swimming at the local marina as promised.
Kenny and his sister were only a few feet away from the bank when he apparently stepped of a ledge and plunged downward. His sister by his side looked but there was nothing she could do but yell for help. He popped up for air for a brief second and then went under again. They searched for him and found his lifeless body about 20 feet below the surface of the water.
Kenny and I meet in kindergarten and became friends. Then he moved and I did not see him again till he was in the fifth grade when he returned back to our school. Once again at the end of that year he went to a different school and I did not see him until the eight grade.
We had a blast that year. Seemed like everything was going so good. There were six of us that stuck together, Kenny and Trish, Billy and Stephanie, Paula and me. We all had the same classes and went to all the dances. It was just an enjoyable year.
We all ordered our yearbooks and as school was coming to a close we eagerly awaited them. We were told during the last week of school they were going to be late and we could pick them up on Monday after school let out for the summer. Kenny didn’t make it till Monday his youthful like came to an end on Saturday, just one day after school was out.
Needless to say it was a somber time when we went to pick up our yearbooks on Monday. Other friends signed them but there was one signature we would not get. And he was going to be missed forever. He was taken without a goodbye.
It was very hard for us thirteen and fourteen year olds to handle but we had to carry on. I can remember to this day walking beside his casket as we arrived at the gravesite. So many people paid their respects to a loving and kind young man. I was depressed for a while after we laid him to rest. I can remember my mother and dad doing everything they could to take my mind off of what ifs and whys.
Our little group that was so close had now came to a close. Stephanie and Billy went on to the school that I did along with Trish. But Paula was sent to a new school that was opening up that year. We went our separate ways but you never forget your first love (Paula) and I meet up with her again when I was in the tenth grade. She was working at the local mall when I hear someone calling my name. It was she and I went over and talked with her. We chatted for a few minutes (she as beautiful as ever) and I guess me be as stupid as one could be, I didn’t get her number. Not knowing that would be the last time I would see her.
This past weekend I visited Kenny’s grave with my wife and kids by my side. My wife sensed the sadness in my heart as she put he hand on my should and told the kids lets go to the car and give your dad time to visit his friend. I sat there for a minute or so and began talking as if he was there. I told him things that happened after he left us and began to tell him about our friends. That’s when I realized that it only takes one person to break up a group. We all had scatter throughout the US and now had lives and families of our own.
That night I was wondering where everyone was now, twenty-seven years later. I know Stephanie had moved to New Hampshire. Billy and Trish I don’t know what happened to them. And Paul, my first love, I don’t know what happened to her. My prayer is that every one of them is ok and having a full and happy life with their love ones like I have been blessed with.
Kenny – Rest in peace my friend!
Scott.
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06/13/2006 02:26:55 AM · #2 |
| I really don't know what to say, except that I can try to empathize with you, that is truly sad, I can understand why you are feeling so depressed |
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06/13/2006 02:35:00 AM · #3 |
Take heart and take stock, Scott. I lost my closest sister when she was 22, a year after I gave her my kidney. She had a six year old daughter that I didn't see after that until a few years ago - all growed up. I get depressed on her birthday and anniversary of her death.
Not meaning to hijack - sorry - you stirred me. |
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06/13/2006 02:53:08 AM · #4 |
The story is so poignant..Thanks for sharing it. I guess we all have someone close to us that we will remember in certain ways. My grandmother loved peonies and every spring when they bloom, she's right back with me.
I have one question tho. How is his name Kenny when it says Brian Keith on the stone? |
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06/13/2006 03:22:50 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by Bosborne:
The story is so poignant..Thanks for sharing it. I guess we all have someone close to us that we will remember in certain ways. My grandmother loved peonies and every spring when they bloom, she's right back with me.
I have one question tho. How is his name Kenny when it says Brian Keith on the stone? |
We all called him Kenny Bryant. I guess instead of Keith. He was know by family and friends as Kenny.
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06/13/2006 04:23:18 AM · #6 |
Hey Scott,
What a truly touching story. Why dont you try and find the old gang. Maybe they wonder the same about you.
Lisa
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06/13/2006 04:38:01 AM · #7 |
Embrace the hurt..Find a way to love it. It's all we've got.
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06/13/2006 04:57:26 AM · #8 |
Touching story Scott, and thank you for sharing it.
It's easy for family to keep the memories alive, but a friend, paying tribute as you did, that many years later really means something.
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06/13/2006 08:06:47 AM · #9 |
I feel your pain Scott, its good that you still have a place in your heart for your friend. When someone close to us is taken without being able to say goodbye it hurts even more. Always think of him, always laugh with him. He may not be here in a physical sense but he is and always will be a part of your life.
Mike
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06/13/2006 08:36:36 AM · #10 |
| my heart goes out to you, scott. you nailed me with this one. |
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