Bowling with the Ducks 2012: Making a Difference One Pin at a Time

If you've paid attention to my blog you know I occasionally rant and rave about things non-moto related.  Usually it's about my dog (Trout) or something to do with LEO's or the Kilcullen Project (http://www.kilcullenproject.org/).  This time I'm ranting about the Kilcullen Project indirectly, but more specifically, about a little boy who's been through hell and is slowly working his way back.

I first met this little boy, Riley, last summer when the Kilcullen Project (which was just a spark at that time) helped paint Chief Painter's house where Riley and his mother lived. After a tragedy there are those who show up with flowers and casseroles and then there are  always a number of loyal hold outs who are there when the weeks turn to months.   Some of those hold outs were there with us...Amy's old friends and some new with paint brushes in their hands, running errands and taking the time to keep us company and make us laugh.  But I digress...

In the time I've known Riley he's been quiet and my attempts to steal a slight smile or even a smirk have fallen flat.  He is a boy who appears to be fighting inner torment, almost afraid to smile for fear of breaking.

There is one thing that I've seen bring a small glimmer to Riley's eyes.  It is the University of Oregon Ducks.  Once when driving down the Chris Kilcullen Memorial Highway someone pointed out Autzen Stadium and Riley was leaning over the seat looking through the trees just trying to get a glimpse.  When the opportunity arose to get Riley a spot on the bowling team with a Duck player, it was too good to pass up.  Mrs. Kilcullen made it happen.


Riley showed up wearing a #24 jersey.  He didn't say much and stood by his mom with a look of fear.  Hands held in front, toying with each other.  Riley's lane mate, Kenjon Barner (Ducks number 24) walked up with Riley each time he bowled, helping him and cheering him on.  It was a gesture I'll never forget.

Soon, Riley was running around getting his shirt signed by the players and although I still had not seen a full on smile, he was getting closer.

After the pizza was eaten, the shirts were all signed, and Riley and his mom had won two pair of sunglasses, it was time to go.  The final awards had been handed out and signed bowling pins went to the victors.

As we were standing, gathering our t-shirts and saying our goodbyes, something wonderful happened.  Callie, Chip Kelly's assistant, brought over a signed pin and told Riley she'd found an extra and wanted him to have it.   Riley held it like he wasn't sure what was going on...and then he actually smiled.  Riley smiled.  Over a bowling pin.  It was a beautiful moment.  Then he carried that bowling pin around like it was worth a trillion dollars.

It is tragic to hear of a fatality in the LEO family... and heartbreaking to see the children left behind, lost and confused as sadness hangs like a shadow.  It is even worse when people think just because time has passed, life is better, life is grand, and that loss is no longer felt.  I know at some point you have to stop being angry about the time you didn't get and rejoice about the time you had but I'm not sure how an 8 year old does that.  Or how they even understand it.  I think we, as a community, need to find a way to keep supporting families, to help when it is needed, and to remember that sometimes a small smile is the start of a healing process that will continue forever.

A HUGE THANK YOU to the University of Oregon, the entire football team, Callie, Coach Kelly, Emerald Lanes, Track Town Pizza, and the citizens who showed up to bowl, support, and laugh at the second Bowling with the Ducks.  Each and every one of you helped support a great cause in the Officer Chris Kilcullen Memorial Scholarship and made a difference in the life of Riley Painter...who is probably sleeping with a bowling pin.  

One HAPPY boy!!!

Written with permission from Mrs. Ralph Painter.

Thank you to those who rescue puppies...

 BMW's at Trooper Tony's Life Celebration

Forgive me while I rant about something totally motorcycle unrelated but worthy of a rant.

My Father tells me a story about my Great Great Grandfather who was a sheriff in 1936.  Reportedly, Great Great Gramps was gunned down and killed inside the very market where as a high schooler I used to buy my candy bars in Lowell, OR.  Great (x2) Gramp's gun and badge are tucked inside my Father's safe.  Dad pulls them out for viewings now and then, proud to have a piece of our family history and still harboring questions about that fateful day in 1936.  I guess there are some questions that never get answered.

If you are from the Pacific Northwest you have probably heard about the recent murder of Washington State's  "Trooper Tony" while he was on patrol.  It is just one more law enforcement tragedy that we must all learn to live with.  In Pendelton, OR the town is most assuredly still questioning Correctional Officer Herron's senseless killing.  In Eugene, OR, Officer Kilcullen's one year anniversary is quickly approaching, and in the small town of Rainier, OR, residents still drive past the place where Chief Painter's life was taken.  In Pierce County, WA, Deputy Sheriff Wright is remembered as well. All of these officers, husbands, fathers and friends were murdered while doing their jobs and trying to keep us all safe.

A sea of Blue: LEO's send off Trooper Tony  

There are times when life seems to hold more tragedy than happiness, more sadness than bliss.  The death of yet another police officer, murdered in the line of duty, is a perfect example of one of those times.  According to the Officer Down Memorial Page (http://www.odmp.org/) the year 2012, being only two months over, has been witness to 20 line of duty deaths.  These twenty tragedies across the United States have affected police, parks and correctional departments, public safety and sheriff's offices and been the cause of countless tears, questions, and sorrow.  They have widowed many,  left children parentless, and yet also have given communities the opportunity to come together and show their support and love, often from people who have never or will never meet the families of those left behind.  I am thankful for everyone who takes a moment to stop and remember those who have been killed in the line of duty, who offers a helping hand to those friends and family members left behind,  and for every officer who continues to patrol the streets, to investigate the crimes, and to rescue innocent puppies.

In order for these men and women law enforcement officers to continue to make a difference they need our support.  They need citizens to speak up and do their part.  To make the call when they witness wrong being done or when the crazy neighbor gets worse.  We all need to stop looking away and start looking at making a difference. Show up.  Be counted.  Give when you can and what you can.   Above all else, appreciate those in blue, brown, green and tan, who wake every morning knowing the job they have to do may take them away from their families; yet they do it anyway.

May they never be forgotten.

Chris Kilcullen Memorial Ride: SAVE THE DATE: July 29, 2012

EPD Bikes at the Kilcullen Highway Sign Dedication in 2011.

The Chris Kilcullen Memorial Ride is currently  in the planning phase.  After a few false starts, we have worked around the other various motorcycle and summer events (Dierks Bentley coming to Oregon!) and have concluded that the last Sunday in July will be the ride date from this point forward.  So, check your calendars and save July 29, 2012 for the Second Annual Chris Kilcullen Memorial Ride.  

This year's ride will feature a trip to the coast for 248 (Chris's badge number) miles of scenic roads.  The exact route is still being determined, as are the stops, but our faithful leader is working on the specifics.

The proceeds from this year's ride will go toward the Officer Chris Kilcullen Memorial Scholarship.

YOU can help make this event a success by showing up and riding with us!  Last year around 200 riders participated, riding from Eugene, OR to Sisters, OR, 248 miles roundtrip.   To help get you motivated, here are some photos from last year's ride!  Stay tuned for more information and keep an eye on the Chris Kilcullen Memorial Ride website (http://www.chriskilcullenmemorialride.webs.com/) for upcoming registration specifics.  You can also follow the ride on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-Kilcullen-Memorial-Motorcycle-Ride/149231638477260.

At the pitstop in Sweet Home some of the riders and volunteers stop for a photo op.  

Some of the group in Sisters...

One of the coolest bikes there last year...oh wait, that's MINE!  How did that get there???  :)   

  

Moto Officer: Chris Kilcullen, Eugene Police Department EOW 4.22.11

A week ago today Eugene Police Officer Christopher Kilcullen was fatally shot while in the line of duty.  He had been with Eugene Police Department for 12 years and was most recently a motorcycle officer.  His friends, family, wife and two beautiful children were left to wonder how something so awful could occur to someone so wonderful.  Since that time I've read numerous articles about what reportedly happened (with accounts varying by station), what should have and could have happened.

I found myself at his memorial today along with approximately 5,500 other people who were either lucky enough to have met and been a friend to Officer Kilcullen, had simply a passing encounter, or just wanted to pay their respects.  There was a sea of uniforms, dark blue, light blue, shades of green and red from the many law enforcement personnel who were in attendance.  One officer on the shuttle with us was from California.  One honor guard member was from Canada.  Others proudly wore badges from Gresham, Multnomah County, Portland, Bend, Rainer, St Helens, Cottage Grove, and every place in between and farther away.  There were TSA agents and Forest Service enforcement there too.  An equal opportunity mourning location.

I'd never been to a police memorial before.  What struck me was the silence.  A silence so loud that my heartbeat seemed a disruption, my occasional sniffle an obstruction to the cause.  Bag pipes that I'd heard before never sounded as beautiful, and photos I'd had the opportunity to review before never shined so bright. The Honor Guard, slowing walking two by two to the front of the room then back somehow made me feel secure in knowing that even though Chris was gone, someone else would still be there to fill the gap.  The end of watch call out brought tears when I thought I'd finally found the strength and courage to hold them back.  And now, hours later, I am still fighting a battle inside myself, willing myself to be a better person and to remember that the best people always leave us early.   They are here briefly to show us the way then they go, confident that we can follow the example they have left us.

It is because of Officer Kilcullen's tragic death, his life cut short much before his time, that I am trying to be a better me.  Trying to follow the advice Officer Kilcullen's dad gave at the funeral.  John Kilcullen made a point to remind all of us that making time for family is important because you never know when you won't have tomorrow to share with them.  I've been thinking about this more as I age.  It's not just family though, it's friends as well.  I rush to work then rush home to rush to the gym to rush some place else.  When there's a break I am alone, content in the quiet peacefulness of my own world.  I don't stop to question what would happen if tomorrow never came.  I am always so sure tomorrow is a few hours away, waiting patiently for me.  I don't call that friend whom I care about when I stop to think of her because I am sure there will be time later.  The years tick past as if they are simply seconds until I realize that friend I held dear is almost a stranger and that family, well I don't even know them, either.

I hope this tragedy that has befallen Officer Kilcullen's family (which includes EPD) will make everyone stop and do what his wife requests.  It's not much, just tiny things that will make you a better person and the world a better place.  Because, as Mrs. Kilcullen said, and everyone would agree,  that's what he did.    

"Be kind to one another. 

Do something nice for a complete stranger when no one is looking. 

Volunteer at a school.

Adopt a sweet animal at Greenhill (Humane Society).

Tell your wife that she is stunning without even trying. 

Give someone a compliment because it is true." 

It's time to follow his example.


____________________
Christopher Kilcullen  March 22, 1968 - April 22, 2011