Letters to the Grandkids # 1: Intro to Racism

This is the first of a series of letters to my grandkids. I will try to convey my reactions and emotions to the world that I was encountering as I grew older, and why, at age 79, I have these convictions. I share these letters with the public with the hope that other grandparents consider … Continue reading Letters to the Grandkids # 1: Intro to Racism →

My Great Grandfather, Blacksmith in the Civil War

C.C. Augustus Ginter II (b. 9/28/1837 – d. 9/19/1892) Growing up in the 1940s and 1950s, I don’t remember my mother or her siblings talking about the Ginter family history or the fact that their grandfather had served in the Civil War. Mom’s parents, Oscar and Minnie (Becker) Ginter, were virtually unknown to me. Minnie … Continue reading My Great Grandfather, Blacksmith in the Civil War →

Gordie Gillespie: Master Teacher and Coach

Part 3 of 3: Evolution When I first heard their names, I thought it was pretty funny. I was a skinny Braidwood kid just entering a high school in Joliet where I was a freshman. It was funny because I was sitting in the old gym bleachers with perhaps 200 other 13-14-year-old boys when the faculty … Continue reading Gordie Gillespie: Master Teacher and Coach →

Now I Know Coach Gordie Gillespie

You never know who will spring into your life and make such a remarkable impact that it determines your destiny. I have written three blogs that capture my journey with the man who would literally change the lives of thousands of men and women. Similar stories about him have been told or written by many … Continue reading Now I Know Coach Gordie Gillespie →

Who is Coach Gordie Gillespie?

“Keep on writing, Dad, before you lose your marbles.”

“You might have put it a little differently, son, but I get your drift.” My mother, Adele Ginter Kennedy, her siblings, and classmates circa 1925 playing marbles.. It’s a good analogy because I played “mibs” when I was in St. Rose grade school. My bag included about 20 or so glass marbles that included a … Continue reading “Keep on writing, Dad, before you lose your marbles.” →

The Humility of Coach Gillespie: A True Leader

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.”C.S. Lewis When people talk about the wondrous accomplishments of Coach Gordie Gillespie, topics usually center on baseball and football championships, the number of wins over his long career, halls of fame, captivating speeches, and the impact made on thousands of students and athletes. Indeed, … Continue reading The Humility of Coach Gillespie: A True Leader →

Stories of Paul Ruddy of Lewis: Funniest Man Ever

“Great stories happen to those who can tell them.” Ira Glass The first time I remember seeing Paul was at Joliet Catholic High School when I was a freshman. Walking through the old gym, I saw a gangly junior practicing free throws and a buddy of mine said, “That’s Paul Ruddy. He’s on our team.” … Continue reading Stories of Paul Ruddy of Lewis: Funniest Man Ever →

“We are related to the Van Duynes?”

“Yes, son, .... and to the Hermes, the Shuttens, the Klovers, the Holmans, and many more here in Wilmington.” "No individual death among human beings is important. Someone who dies leaves his work behind and that does not entirely die. It never dies as long as humanity exists." Isaac Asimov St. Rose Church, view from … Continue reading “We are related to the Van Duynes?” →

Starting a Soccer Program: Lewis College

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." Theodore Roosevelt https://braidwoodguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/55851_1624521213648_1804800_o.jpg?w=1024 Evan Fiffles, Alex Hernandez, Steve Janczak, Tom Kennedy In the spring of 1967, I was hired part time at Lewis as the JV baseball coach and assistant to Coach Gillespie on the varsity level. In the fall of that year, Coach … Continue reading Starting a Soccer Program: Lewis College →