Thoughts from James H. Gleeson, Jr
November 15, 2009

I met Kit 20 some years ago. Back then, Mommy still called him the baby, youngest of 3 boys. A cute kid,a little chubby, impish grin & that mischievious laugh. Our first real time alone was like MacCaulley Chaulkin & John Candy in "Uncle Buck". Kit asked:"Who are you? Whadya do? Are you rich? You like my Mom? Ever married? Any kids? What ya drive?" Pretty funny. A real Curious George. I remember how handsome you all looked in your tuxedos at our wedding. When Mom & i were taking our vows on the porch, you were the only one inside, peeking through the window, the only air conditioned seat in the place! Our first Christmas together you & Jesse got those mini bikes, remember? Never saw a happier kid, riding up & down our street with your older brother. Jumping up driveway aprons to get some Air. There was always a deeply loving part of your soul. Isaw it come out the nite that "Auggie doggy" died. You woke us up cause he was breathing funny. We all stayed with Auggie as he passed, but you insisted on staying downstairs with him & covering him with his blanket like he was sleeping. We all lived through alot as a family in our home, the Ha-Ha Hotel, we called it some days. Good times, bad times, sad times & great times. I was pleasantly surprised when you asked me to stand for you at your confirmation. I took the responsibility seriously. We talked about our faith in God. Recently, you & i talked & prayed during some tough times. I know we'll talk again on the other side, that's a promise that sustains me even now. I remember when your son was born. What a beautiful boy Nicky is, alot like you. How about that Father's Day, when you & Nicky & Gus & i all went fishing. I think Gus taught us all how to catch bass that day. How cool was it to see "Nicky Beans" catch his first bass! We all went to dinner at the Diner. I got to see how you interacted, father to son, with Nick. Hey, remember the look on his face when they brought him that huge prime rib? We talked alot over the last few years. We talked about family, fatherhood, business & our personal problems. Some stuff still remains just between us bro'. You never minded that i still introduced you as one of my boys, my son. You once said i was the only father you really remembered. You always called me "Jaybo". We almost always hugged each other hello & said "I love you" when we parted. I am so sorry for us that you have gone on to heaven so soon. I know it's a better place. You were in Jesus' arms before i even heard about the wreck. You're in your real Dad's arms too, I'm sure! I'll miss you, Kit. You won't be forgotten. We'll all cherish our fond memories. We'll see you in Nicky. We'll see you in heaven. Save me my hug, son. I love you. Jaybo

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