I went in for my follow up x-rays today.  I will share more about that tomorrow.

My aunt, Kathy (Maloney) Peltier passed away today.  She was an incredible lady.  She was also part of an incredible duo.  My uncle, Ted Peltier, DBB (that's doctorate in ball-busting, for the uninitiated) was a demi-god to my generation.  He was an old-school marine who could scare the shit out of you with one word or one withering stare - and he'd actually mean it about 3% of the time.  He had actual tattoos - way before everybody got a tattoo.  He was fit as a fiddle, and usually the coolest guy in the room.  He may have been the greatest actor I have ever known.   How many people could call their own family members - multiple times over decades - with different accents and sales pitches and tall tales and spiels of every kind, and not get caught once!??! Oh, he had the best needle, ever.  He was deadly accurate and stone-cold in his delivery.  Once he set the hook and reeled you in, his hearty laugh completed the tableau... I loved that man.

My aunt was - in a word - elegant.  She seemed forever young and almost stylish.  She was so loving and sincere and very interested in everything happening in your life.  Many people ask the question, "What's new?" and so very few meant it.  If she asked, she wanted to know.  And that, God love her, usually meant a lengthy conversation :)  I can spin a yarn on occasion, but my Aunt Kathy was a master conversationalist.  Her smoking seemed to add to her 'cool factor' as well, honestly.  She was a singer, a pianist, an accordion player(!), she was the pied piper calling everyone together around the piano for a sing-along.  I can remember many occasions when we young-uns were supposed to be in bed, but we could still hear them singing and carrying on.  Irish wakes are legendary for a reason! My Aunt Kathy was awesome.  I loved her dearly.


To my Aunt Connie and Uncle Bill, and my mother and father:  I am so sorry that you have lost one third of the 'traveling six-pack.'  It was always so much fun to join you momentarily on your adventures.  The Maloney family is a very special one, and your loyalty to one another is inspiring. Cherish each of those old memories; even while creating new ones.

With undying love and admiration,
Your Godson, Kenny
Your son, Kenny


To my cousins, Kim, Teddy, and Danny and all of your families:

I am so sorry that you have suffered the loss of both your mother and father in such a short time span. I relished every moment spent with your mom and dad, whether it was kibitzing over breakfast in Las Vegas, eating hotdogs in the backyard of your beautiful home in Clifton Park, or enjoying Spiaks pizza in Maplewood.  I am comforted knowing your mom and dad's strength and resilience exists in abundance with each of you.  God bless you all.  I will pray for a swift reunion for your mom and dad.

I love you now, and always.

Your cousin,
Kenny