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.