So long farewell...

If you are from Dallas, TX or have lived in the area very long chances are that you are very familiar with the name Kidd Kraddick. He's been a staple in the radio industry since 1984 where he started with his teen parties and evening show. He quickly moved up to the morning show and changed the morning commute for many of us from drudgery to time spent laughing, crying and sharing the issues of the day or at least poking fun at many of them. He challenged us to reach beyond ourselves with Kidd's Kid's and his annual support through Secret Santa type programs and picking up the tab for Thanksgiving and Christmas for many who wouldn't celebrate without his help. He was fortunate to have a radio show and it's industry behind him to raise the funds needed but it was Kidd's spirit and enthusiasm that made it all work.

I was one of those Dallasite preppy teens who spent hours listening. Went with friends to the concerts he sponsored and grew up with him through the years. I was pregnant with my oldest daughter the same year he and Carol were expecting Caroline and most of our doctor appointments just lined up with each other, it was fun to share those moments.

This morning there were a lot of tributes and it was heartbreaking to listen to his fellow morning crew, Kelly, JC, Big Al, Jenna & Psycho Shannon share their memories.

But, JC summed it up beautifully with this poem.

“You can shed tears that he is gone, 
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, 
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, 
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”  ~David Harkins

Chose to honor those who have gone on by living life and taking the best of that person and what they contributed to your life with you.

You will be missed Kidd. I'll be "...looking up because that's where it all is."