Wednesday, June 24, 2009

For Ken

Today a very dear friend of mine passed away. A man who taught me and so many others so much, and who continued to teach and to mentor until the end.

Ken was a wonderful man, a loving father and gave to his country every single day of his life.

I met Ken in Algiers. At that time, he was 76 years old and still loving every minute of every day.

Ken spoke fluent french and used to mock my inability to form coherent sentences. One day I had to call the market to place a large order for chicken for an upcoming pool party at the Embassy. After rehearsing my speech for the order, I heard Ken laughing behind me while I was on the phone. After what should have been a 2 minute call (but took like 10), Ken informed me that I just told that man that I commanded an army of chickens and breasts. (He called them back for me)

Ken talked me into dating my husband, telling me to stop caring about what other people would think and to start listening to what my heart thinks.

Ken would always be my doubles partner in tennis, even though I cannot play to save my life. He taught me how to serve and (almost) how to actually play the game. We (read he) beat the marines at doubles.

Ken helped me raise the orphaned kittens at the Embassy (we named them Cowboy and Indian). He was retired Special Forces, but would patiently feed the kittens baby formula out of a bottle with me.

Ken loved my biscuits and gravy, even though my gravy is not really up to par.

Ken worked until he was 82 years old in service to his country. He was a truly special man that actually believed that he could make a difference. He passed that belief on and touched the lives of everyone he encountered.

You will be missed. God rest your soul.

19 comments:

Hit 40 said...

What a beautiful man!!! I love having friends like this. I have a couple male friends at work that have my back.

Very sorry for your loss. And... our loss as a nation.

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

Such a beautiful tribute to a good friend.

I think I would have really liked Ken. :)

Hallie

Beth said...

It sounds like Ken was an awesome guy! I'm sorry for your loss.

Smart Mouth Broad said...

I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend. It sounds like he led an amazing life. Thanks for sharing your memories of this remarkable man.

tera said...

I'm so sorry. He sounds like a wonderful person and friend.

Rosaria Williams said...

Friends are special gifts. You were lucky to have one who mentored you and supported you like a father. It is a rare thing. I feel for your loss.

blognut said...

He sounds like a wonderful friend. I glad you had him, and I'm sorry you lost him.

Take care, my friend.

Sharon Rose said...

Oh Michel, my heart is sad for your loss of such an amazing and wonderful friend. You certainly honored him in a great way in this post!
Hugs to you!
Sharon

Everyday Goddess said...

Sometimes we are lucky enough to have a guy like Ken in our lives. And I believe they always remain in our lives because relationships never die.

Blessings!

Mike said...

((Hug)) I am so sorry for your loss of your friend. Let me know if I can help you in any way.

Reddirt Woman said...

Just think, Michel... every time you command your chicken army and breasts, you will have Ken's laughter in your ears again. You won't ever forget this man and his patience, gentleness and humor. What a wonderful connection to have made with another human being. Peace and hugs to you and to all who are feeling the loss of this man.

Helen

Pseudo said...

You made me wish that I had known him. Lovely tribute.

♥ Braja said...

Nice tribute, Michel...I hope you're ok. Not an easy time...xx

Medora said...

Aw, sounds like a great guy. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Diva's Thoughts said...

Wow! What a beautiful tribute to your friend.

Unknown said...

Wow, the tears are falling!

What a wonderful man and I know you feel lucky that you knew him so well.

Susan said...

What a lovely tribute - I'm so sorry you lost your friend. I hope he's in heaven surrounded by chickens and breasts.

Fragrant Liar said...

Oh,I just saw this. I am so sorry about your dear friend's passing. I send big warm hugs to you. Celebrating Ken's life with stories of how he lived, I think, is the best way you can acknowledge the depth of your gratitude and love for his presence in your life. You have captured that in this post. HUGS.

Suzy said...

Those Special Forces guys are the best in the world. Trained to fix and heal, they are as amazing as Navy Seals. RIP Ken.