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Color Coding: Basis for the Caste System

“As visually dominant mammals, we readily notice differences in skin color in each other. As primates who uniquely use language to create categories, we readily give names to these differences. Since the mid-18th century, skin color has been the single most important physical trait used to define human groups, including variously named varieties, races, subspecies, … Continue reading Color Coding: Basis for the Caste System →

“One boy = one brain; two boys = 1/2 brain…”

Braidwood East Side Gang: Marty, Louie, Richard, TK, Pete, and Kenny (circa 1953) "My father had a profound influence on me. He was a lunatic."Spike Milligan There is ample evidence that my role as a father was deficient in many ways. That is not to say that my failures were predominant during the past nearly … Continue reading “One boy = one brain; two boys = 1/2 brain…” →

Partnerships: Learning from Billy and Robert

Regis/Ataneo Partners Regis/Ana G Mendez Partners “Old Wilmington residents taught me about working together to accomplish a goal.”Tom Kennedy Like many of us, brothers Billy and Robert (pseudonyms for actual people) knew all about the struggle to make a life. I remember them from my early days in Braidwood and Wilmington because we would see … Continue reading Partnerships: Learning from Billy and Robert →

Granddaughter Asks a Most Difficult Question

“For months I have avoided a question that may be impossible for me to answer.” Grandpa Granddaughter asks, “At such a young age, how did you know grandma was the one or you?”  Several of you grandkids have asked this question and I struggle to give a rational answer. Instead, I will answer in a way … Continue reading Granddaughter Asks a Most Difficult Question →

“I want you…to drive the bus.”

“Just have your husband take it home and you can try it. I know that you can do it, and the kids will need transportation.”Fr. Roger Kaffer, Providence High School Principal For eight years, the lady drove a school bus from South Kankakee St. in Wilmington to Providence High School in New Lenox, Illinois, a … Continue reading “I want you…to drive the bus.” →

Meeting Wooden, Williams, and Blanc: Icons of an Era

“Having a family member (or friend) with you on a special occasion makes for an extraordinary memory; without a family member on that occasion it makes for unforgettable regret.”Tom Kennedy In the course of a lifetime, one is lucky to be in the presence of outstanding people. Having worked alongside those who were superb human … Continue reading Meeting Wooden, Williams, and Blanc: Icons of an Era →

“What do Generations do? They re-generate and evolve.”

“Every generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” George Orwell What is a generation? It is usually acknowledged that a generation is considered roughly 20-25 years. As I write, there are seven living American generations, all with labels attached that denote … Continue reading “What do Generations do? They re-generate and evolve.” →

“Your Great Grandparents Live in You.”

An Unsolicited Letter to the Grandkids I failed to gather important information about my great grandparents until I was in my 30s. After our family moved from Joliet to Wilmington, Illinois - the birthplace of my parents - I was shamed by the fact that I kept meeting folks who were distant relatives. Until that … Continue reading “Your Great Grandparents Live in You.” →

College Intramurals: Equally Important with Intercollegiate?

"A case could be made that intramural games are even more important than intercollegiate, or extramural, games." Tom Kennedy Between 1967 and 1980, Lewis College (University) intramural games took on a life that overwhelmed nearly all other college endeavors - including academics. For a five-year period, I served as co-director in the Christian Brothers University … Continue reading College Intramurals: Equally Important with Intercollegiate? →