Today’s Rant No. 38: “The Godfather” Edition
Previously on “Today’s Rant”
- Although “The Godfather” is a classic film I enjoy watching, I would like to instead reflect on my godfather, Ken. He died last month at the age of 71. I remember him as a kind, generous, and sincere person who loved his family and friends. A man with a calm exterior, but also a courageous and virtuous spirit within him. He was someone who loved God, music, and sports.
- I met Ken when I was five years old. He was in his late 30s at the time and looked similar to actor Michael Imperioli. Brown, wavy hair. Medium height and thin build. Nonchalant, yet also charismatic. I was baptized as a Catholic a year later, during which he and Aunt Sue were named my godparents. Ken would go on to play an important role in my life the next 10 years.
- It was music that cemented my bond with Ken. He gave me weekly piano lessons for five years. I was six when I started and barely tall enough to see the keys. Yet, I still enjoyed playing the piano and it quickly became my favorite hobby.
- Ken and I had a set routine. Our lessons always took place Saturdays at 11 a.m. at his house. He always started each session by selecting three songs for me to play. We then took a 15-minute Gatorade break, after which I played three songs of my choosing before we concluded for the day.
- The Gatorade was always green. Ken had served me red Gatorade during our first lesson, to which I boldly (or as bold as a first grader could be) informed him that I preferred green Gatorade since green was my favorite color. So, from that point forward, we drank green Gatorade during our breaks. Always green.
- Ken brought me to my first concert. I was 10 years old. It was a live performance by singer-songwriter Steve Seskin, who had earned a brief popularity after penning hit songs for country music stars like Tim McGraw, John Michael Montgomery, and Mark Wills. My uncle, Jared, and cousins, Marcus and Emi, joined us since the concert was held at an outdoor venue near their house. I had an opportunity to meet Seskin after the event since he and Ken were friends, which I thought was pretty cool.
- I stopped taking weekly lessons when I was 11, but still chose to join my high school’s symphonic band as a pianist my freshman year. Ken bought me an electric guitar for my birthday six months later and we started weekly guitar and vocal lessons, just like old times…
- …But the roof caved in one day: Ken suffered a serious and sudden medical emergency. To rehabilitate, he moved into his mother’s home, which was about 75 miles north of where I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. Although I traveled there a few times to see him, our visits and conversations became fewer and fewer…
- …Until they stopped one day. Not sure why. I had intended to keep in touch, but fate had different plans. Years passed. Decades passed. Life continued to move forward, and I eventually graduated from high school. Then college. Moved to Southern California. Fell in love, got married, and became a father…
- …And then 22 years later, I received a phone call from my mom, who informed me Ken had passed. I hold no ill feelings since I had come to terms years ago with destiny taking him and I in different directions. But I certainly wish we had spent more time with one another. I would have liked for him to meet my wife, Kay, and son, Mateo, and see the beautiful life I have built with them.
- I have played the piano only sporadically since graduating from high school more than 20 years ago. But I hope to eventually teach Mateo and my goddaughter, Moon, to play it. They are still too young for lessons, but when it happens, I know Ken will be there with us in spirit.
- Ken, thank you for being a great godfather, mentor, and friend. I have been given the privilege of being a godfather to a sweet little girl, and I hope I can do the role justice the way you had. The way you were present for every life event of mine during my childhood. The way you always had my back and put my welfare before your own. The way you treated me with love, compassion, and integrity.
- One day, we will have a long overdue piano jam session. We can also catch up a bit. Share a meal. And just hang out like old times. Oh, and please remember to bring the Gatorade. The green one, of course. Always green.
