It's been close to a year since Kyle passed away. In that year it's been a year of firsts. The first start of school without him, the first birthday, the first Christmas. Ugh.It has also been a year of things I've never thought I'd be doing. Creating his website, writing a blog and planning a lasting tribute. Those of you who know me well, know I don't like meetings. But, for the last year, I've been a part of the Sakai Arts & Traditions Committee and attending meetings. As part of this group, I've helped in making Kyle's Marimba, an art installation at his school, a reality. I am so excited it's all coming together. Next week ground prep starts and on the 16th of February it is installation day.
It's only fitting that his memorial is a musical instrument. Kyle has been drawn to music from an early age. As a toddler he loved to clap rhythms and play his Barney banjo that he got from Aunt Julie and Uncle Pip (he couldn't quite pronounce Chip). God, I can still hear that banjo. It had a laser light where the strings would be, and if the light was interrupted the music would play. Later on it was the snare drum I bought at a garage sale. Boy, the neighbors loved that. The acoustic guitars, the electric one, and the drum sets. He drummed so often it was even part of his grade school conference to try and stifle his drumming during class with pencils and even his hands. When Kyle was older it was all about his ipod. It was the first thing he grabbed when his eyes opened. And let's not forget his air guitar and rock star moves which were finely crafted by watching his Big and Rich concert on the dvr over and over. About three years ago we had a concert in our backyard. The other kids were running around and playing, not listening to the music. Kyle inevitably found his way on stage, front and center, with a marker in his hand which doubled as a microphone. Then he just sat down, still on stage, still in front, and drummed with the markers.
Are you wondering why Kyle is in his boxer briefs in the photo? This was taken at Seattle Center after a day at the Science Center and a romp in the big fountain. We were not prepared enough to bring swimming suits, so Mitch and Kyle stripped down to underwear and had fun. I saved the dry clothes for the ferry ride home. On the way to the car we stopped and listened to this bongo band. Kyle was rocking to the groove so enthusiastically that they invited him to play. That kind of stuff was always happening to him. He was a lucky guy.
I'll let you know more about Kyle's Marimba and the details of the dedication ceremony a bit later. It would be cool if you could be there.
