Is it just me or does everyone think like I do? Sitting here in the dark, rainy early morning, I was reflecting on how this month has impacted my life and how it intersected with my Kennedy Half dollar collection. I've decided to honor my brother-in-law's memory by associating him with my 1979 Type 1 & 2 Kennedys.  I met him just a few hours before I met my best friend, whom I later married. Yesterday, he passed away at his home in San Leandro, Ca. His name is Rodney Loucks but he just went by Rod. He helped my mother and father-in-law to pay for our wedding. Rod bought the "booze"  which everyone knows is no cheap deal. Rod retired a few years ago from the City of San Francisco. He was the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) for the city by the bay.  He graduated from the University of Pittsburg with a BA in finance and accounting which served him well. Rod liked to travel and came back to the East coast every few years to visit friends and family. One year he financed a family trip to Niagara Falls, Canada. We stayed there for 3 days to tour the city.  Rod was 72 and I had known him for 42 years. He was smart and a stand up kind of guy.
     Speaking of bitter sweet, a couple of weeks ago, I lost a 3rd cousin to gun violence. She was just 21 years old. The newspapers and local news channels described it as a "domestic" altercation. Her father, my 2nd cousin was also injured with a gunshot to his arm. Her boyfriend also died of a gunshot wound. My cousin was beside herself that her grandchild had died a violent death.  My step Dad also passed away on 21 April back in 2010 from cancer, on our anniversary. Little would I realize that this month of my marriage would also hold so much tragedy but at the same time was one of the happier times in my life. It's ironic to me that in 1979 the city where my Kennedy Half dollars were minted (Types 1 & 2) in the same year I was married to my best friend would soon acquire a new Chief Financial Officer, my brother-in-law Rod. These were the thoughts that were running through my head while I sipped my coffee this dreary, rainy morning. I cherish all the good memories we shared and I'm thankful to have known such a good-hearted, kind person. 
     In closing, I urge everyone to support responsible ownership of weapons. Being a veteran, I've witnessed the destruction that weapons of war can inflict, so I think these weapons belong on the battlefield, not America's streets. I'm a supporter of the 2nd Amendment, but at the same time, weapons, when used irresponsibly  can claim the lives of of those we love. I'm thinking a lot of people just don't realize that "fact".  My Kennedy half dollars also remind me of the union that was committed to in the year of their manufacture. Until my next blog, tell those you love that you really love them and stay SAFE, healthy and Coronavirus free!      P.S. Did I mention what a beautiful bride my best friend is?  :-))
Charlie aka slybluenote