Kenny, My Son, Taken Too Soon:
How do I tell anyone who did not know him, what a joy Kenny was. He was so talented, a tri-athlete in high school and before. He always held the number "10" in all his sports. He could make a basketball sing on the court, he was one of the finest shortstops in the State of CT and in soccer, he could place a ball on the field wherever you wanted it. At every game, in every sport, you could hear the kids yelling, "go 10". He had the gift-and now it's all gone.
He was only 21 years old and had his whole life ahead of him. Would you believe that almost 1,000 people came to attend his service? There would have been more but so many of his friends were away at school. Kenny was popular and well-liked by everyone who knew him. The tributes given to him by his former high school, baseball league, the City, his friends... it's all good but it can't bring him back.
I moved to Florida with Kenny in 1992. He moved back to CT in June of that year because he missed everyone so much. I didn't see him again until August of 1994 when I returned to CT to attend a wedding. I would talk with him and my older son on the phone but it really wasn't the same. My older son visited me in Florida but Kenny didn't "get around to it." He was finally on his way when the accident happened. He hit a "jersey barrier" and the car flipped over, went airborne and hit a tree. Kenny and his friend, Danny, were both thrown from the vehicle. Kenny died almost instantly. Danny was critical and not expected to live, but thankfully he did. Danny blames himself - it was his car, he should have been driving. I blame myself - if I hadn't lived in Florida he wouldn't have been coming then. But the truth is, Kenny was going too fast, came upon cars entering the turnpike going too slow and he tried to avoid them by going to his left around them - that's when he hit the barrier.
Unfortunately, the curve at the bottom of the concrete hit the back tire and sent the car out of control. All the rest is history. When I got the call from his father, I wanted to die. Although his father and I were no longer married, we stayed good friends through the years. It was the hardest call he's ever had to make. And when I flew up the next day, he and my oldest son, Stanley, were at the airport waiting for me. So many people there thought the tears and hugging were a sign of joy over not seeing each other for a long time. Little did they know.
It's been over a year now since Kenny's been gone. I'm no poet but I knew no other way to express my pain and loss:
I can't believe over a year has passed, because time for me stands still.
I can't believe you're really gone, I guess I never will.
I wish that I could see your face, just once more hear your voice.
But I know if that happened I'd keep you here, that would be my choice.
I remember each minute of the day you were born, the first look at your
perfect face.
No matter how much time will pass in my life, no one will ever take your
place.
I still see you as a newborn baby who grew into a fine young man.
Though they try to explain why you're gone, there's nobody here who can.
All the dreams you had are gone, it's not important where or when.
And my heart still breaks, and my tears still fall, I'll never again see
the number 10.
I love you, Kenny, and I think of you every single day.
I want you to know I miss you so much, more than words can say.
Even though you've been taken away, and some say that's what must be.
I'll always have great memories of you that nobody can take from me.
As years go by and your memory fades from those who didn't know you well,
I'll remember each moment that you were here and each minute without you
is pure hell.
I love you, Baby....Mom
P.S. A bitter-sweet note: Kenny was supposed to be the Best Man at his brother's wedding this past March. We have had more snow, rain, and overcast weather in Connecticut this past year than I can ever remember. But that week-end, the sun was shining, the day was warm, and I know in my heart that Kenny was there and shining down on his brother.
Connie Woznick
Please visit the Memorial to My Son, Kenny.
Connie would appreciate email of support and understanding.
cjwoznick@snet.net
mail welcome
