Checking In

 

Everyone: The ride here at RKP may be a bit bumpy for the next week or two. While I’ve got a couple of different posts I’ve been working on and a great many reviews I’m trying to finish, I need to let you, our devoted readers, know that my stepfather has passed away. This man was a giant in my life. I met him when I was a 14-year-old Boy Scout and he was instrumental in me achieving Eagle. I like to brag that I’ve known him longer than my mom has.

That’s Byron, above, attempting to teach my son Philip how to put his shoes on. I shot that photo over Memorial Day weekend; it’s the last image I ever took of him.

While I’ve managed to write both an obituary and a eulogy for him, writing about touring my old stomping grounds or finishing that review of the Zipp 202s is something I don’t seem to be managing.

I’ve also ground to a halt on the thank-you notes that have been going out to the 360-odd people who contributed to the beer fund. I’ve completed more than 300 and I aim to get through them all, even if I’m not capable right now.

What I’m really trying to say is that we’ve set expectations for you about how frequently you can find new content here. This year, Thanksgiving may have to involve a bit more football for you. I’m sorry about that; I’ll be back as soon as I’m able.

What comes to mind as I think about Byron is this: The measure of any man’s influence can be seen in the way the lives of those he loved change in his absence.