Ki Schmucker Past, Kai Schmucker Present

 

Me and Dad - Around 1989

February is a short month, but I always spend a lot of time thinking about my dad, “Ki” Schmucker.  In February of 1990, dad had moved into my home to live out his final days as liver cancer consumed his body.  It was to be the last, and possibly the best days that we would be together and he passed with me beside him on Febraury 23rd of 1990.

Ki was a nickname that he was given by the neighborhood kids back when he was young.  It was a shortened version of Kaiser, as in German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor and King of Prussia from 1888 until his abdication in 1918.  As dad never did like his given name (Clarence), he gladly accepted the name Ki as an improvement.  I don’t think he quite realized who or what his namesake was.

When World War II came around, Dad enlisted in the Army - Air Corps and was shipped off to Europe to fight the Nazi’s.  He hated the Nazi’s with the passion of one who had seen the blood and destruction of Europe.  After only 6 years, he separated from the Army as a Master Sergeant - quite a jump from a buck private enlistee. The Army offered him a chance to become a commissioned officer, but he turned it down because he had much more power as a senior non-commissioned officer. He saw a lot more than he ever let on and tried to drown those memories in Scotch, as did many others of the Greatest Generation.

As the youngest of two kids, and the only boy, I realized early on that my sister Dorothy was the apple of his eye. That’s not to say I was neglected, I just knew my place in life.  He played catch with me, took me to ball games, taught me how to fish and instilled strong values in me that I still hold and have passed on to my kids.  As I grew older, I learned that despite his blue-collar upbringing and being a career mail carrier, he was held in high esteem by many.  He was a Democratic committee member in Will County and state officials at the highest level all knew him on a first name basis. He was pretty good at getting out the vote.

Dad was a pretty good poker player, which is to say he played a big-money private game every Friday night and, on most Friday’s, he came out ahead.  He also knew his way around a horse track and was known to book a bet or two. His winnings funded a 6 figure bank account that my mother didn’t know about. It was supposed to be a nest egg for my sister and me. When she went into a nursing home, the State of Illinois found it and drained it.  Dad was extremely pissed about that. I told him that while I was grateful for his efforts, we’d be fine without it, and we have been.

Dad passed away on February 23rd of 1990.  I was just 33 years old.  My son Chris was born just 11 months later.  A few weeks ago, Chris and his wife Kaleigh gave birth to a son.  They named him Kai, which is pronounced “Ki”, which is quite an honor and a tribute to my dad and I’m still processing that.  As young Kai grows, I hope to share a lot of stories about his granddad, the original Ki Schmucker.  It’s the cycle of life, which I’m hoping that I get to enjoy for a long time.

Me and Little Kai Schmucker - January 2025

I welcome your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Please share this post with others who value both humor and serious stuff about this blue marble that we all share.

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Old School Ways Worth Passing Down

 

Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

My dad taught me a lot during his life.  He was old school and passed on important values about right and wrong, how to shake hands with another man, and the importance of setting the hook properly when fishing. But probably the most important thing he passed along was the importance of being present for others in their hour of need, especially if they are hospitalized, and most especially if they are elderly and approaching the end of life.

    He taught me this not by talking about it, but by doing it. Many times, he would bring me along for brief periods of time. I particularly remember visits with my older relatives when they were sick or dying, and the compassion he showed in trying to make them comfortable or just listening when they wanted to talk. He always made sure they knew they weren’t alone, and he’d be there for them even if the going got rough. 

    I knew instinctively that the love and support that he showed were a few steps beyond what people normally did. He was almost kind of a Shaman for our family and the community around the old neighborhood where he grew up. He took calls in the middle of the night like a priest, and he’d put on his clothes and leave until the next day. Even as a youngster, I understood. He never hesitated and never showed any fear, even when the person he saw was potentially contagious. It was his calling.

    As I grew to be a man, I realized that it was my calling as well. There was never any question, and I started receiving calls that my dad used to receive.  I realized that there was much to be gained and much to be learned as I got used to it.  There is a special bond of trust that forms when someone entrusts you with their care in such situations. Sometimes you just listen to stories, memories or regrets. Sometimes you provide forgiveness or closure. Sometimes you just hold hands or give them space. Whatever the case, I always feel like I received the bigger portion of the blessings by being a part of their life during that difficult time.  

    I had the privilege to do this for Dad in the last weeks of his life. I received a call on Christmas evening in 1989. Dad was in the hospital, and I needed to fly home. In the next few days, we found out he had terminal liver cancer.  After a couple blood transfusions, he was discharged. We sold his house and moved him to Virginia to live with me. He passed away on February 23rd of 1990 with me at his side. It was a challenging but very special time for both of us, an experience I’d never trade away.

    For the past few years, I’ve been privileged to be with my mother-in-law Alice for many doctor visits and long hospital stays. We have that special bond of trust that develops, and she knows she can count on me to advocate for her, listen or just hold her hand when she's afraid. She’s been hospitalized with COVID since the day after Christmas, and will likely remain so for a while. She knows she won’t be alone - not on my watch. 

    During our stay, I’ve seen most elderly patients all alone, with few or no visitors. It seems like many of them must fend for themselves at a time when they are the most powerless and vulnerable. Hospitals are scary. Hospital staff seldom have the time to provide anything more than required treatment or checking of vital signs. They aren’t there to listen, hold your hand or just provide the simple dignity of knowing you aren’t alone. I personally think as a society, we need to do a lot better - both for them and for ourselves. As my dad passed these lessons down to me, I am passing it along to you.  

Thank You For Following My Blog 

    I welcome your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And please, share this post with others who value both humor and serious stuff about this blue marble that we all share.

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Old Headline Brings New Hope

 

Joliet Herald News Headline - August 15, 1945

Embracing the Holiday Spirit: A Call for Peace

The holiday season has officially arrived, and with it comes the familiar wave of stress and anxiety. Each year, I find myself grappling with the challenge of gift shopping, overwhelmed by the crowds in stores and malls. I procrastinate, convincing myself that there’s still plenty of time. Yet, as the days slip away, so does my clarity, leaving me anxious about what to buy for those I cherish. Even more daunting is the question of what I want when asked by others. In past years, I felt lost, weak, and confused. But this year feels different—I finally know what I want for all of us.

A Moment of Reflection

A few days ago, on Thanksgiving Day, as I waited to head to our son Chris and his wife Kaleigh's gathering, I decided to tackle a long-overdue task: cleaning out a bedroom closet. Amidst a jumble of dust, old shoes, belts, and forgotten items, I stumbled upon a newspaper my parents had saved—a relic from August 15, 1945. The bold headline read “PEACE!”

That simple word sparked deep reflection. Those from my parents generation fought valiantly for four long years in Europe and the Pacific. The toll was staggering: over 38 million military personnel and civilians lost their lives in a conflict that was meant to be the war to end all wars. Yet here we are today—conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, and the Middle East; deep divisions within our own country. The path we tread seems fraught with turmoil and uncertainty. Perhaps if everyone could see that newspaper from 1945, we might recognize the direction we’re heading and find a way to heed John Lennon’s timeless call to “give peace a chance.”

Hope for a Better Tomorrow

I understand that envisioning peace in our times can feel daunting—just as it likely did in 1945. But if it was possible then, could it also be achievable now? Let’s hold onto that hope—for Jenya, Maksim, and Egor in Ukraine; for Israelis and Palestinians; for everyone around the globe, especially here in America.

There’s an old Christmas song that resonates with me: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” This year, that is my wish for Christmas—not just for myself but for all of us.

A Gift of Peace

As we celebrate the holidays, regardless of our faith or background, we can offer each other the most precious gift: understanding. A moment of genuine human connection. The seeds of peace.

Who knows? Maybe future generations will discover our legacy and realize that change is always possible, one small act of kindness at a time.

Thank You For Following My Blog 

I welcome your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And please, share this post with others who value both humor and serious stuff about this blue marble that we all share.

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My Closing Argument

 

The End Is Coming!

As we approach the final days of the election, I'd like to share some reflections on my campaign and recent experiences that have deeply impacted my perspective on the issues facing our nation.

An Unexpected Hospital Stay

While the major party candidates held their grand rallies, I found myself in a more sobering setting - accompanying my mother-in-law Alice for an extended stay at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. Over two weeks in October, I witnessed firsthand many of the real-life challenges that often get ignored or reduced to distorted and half-true memes or talking points by politicians.

Charlottesville: A City of Contrasts

Charlottesville itself is a place of great historical significance and modern complexities:

• Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia stands as a testament to our nation's intellectual foundations and democracy itself.

• Yet in 2017, the city became synonymous with the disturbing "Unite the Right" rally, where neo-Nazis marched openly. As someone whose father and uncle’s fought against Hitler and the horrors of Nazism in WWII, I find any resurgence of such ideology deeply troubling.

Healthcare Realities

UVA Hospital provided excellent care, thanks to a diverse and dedicated staff. Many were immigrants, proudly sharing stories of their home countries. Their compassion and skill stood in stark contrast to the anti-immigrant rhetoric so prevalent in today's political discourse. I completely reject any political ideology that demonizes immigrants with lies and false narratives.

The cost of healthcare remains a critical issue. While Alice was fortunate to have insurance coverage, I couldn't help but think of her roommate - a homeless woman in her 70s, struggling without resources. How does our society allow our elderly to become so vulnerable?  How does the wealthiest country on earth allow such a gap between the top 1% of earners and the rest of us?  Will cuts be proposed to Medicare, the Affordable Care Act, and Social Security by the next congress?

A Call for Collaborative Solutions

Neither major party can claim innocence in the face of these challenges. It's easy to point fingers and cast blame, but real solutions are far more complex than political talking points. Our leaders must move beyond partisan arguments and work together to find real solutions.

Your Vote Matters

As we approach Election Day, I urge you to take your civic duty seriously. Research candidates at all levels who demonstrate a commitment to addressing these issues through collaboration and practical solutions.

While I've enjoyed being a fictional candidate for President and poking a little fun at our political processes this past 10 months, the act of voting is no joke - it's about shaping our collective future.

Thank You For Following My Blog 

I welcome your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And please, share this post with others who value both humor and serious stuff about this blue marble that we all share.

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Vote for Me in 2024 - Special Counsel Edition!

 

For those who have been following along, my independent run for President really started to pick up steam in the last month as the two major party candidates seem to be locked in a deathmatch and people want to change the channel and see what else is on.  Many have turned to my campaign, especially after I was bit by a radio-active spider and acquired some Spiderman-like powers (see my September blog post for more on that).  

In any case, I knew as soon as my popularity and visibility increased, I’d be getting pressured to bow out.  It was expected, just not the way it has happened.  I figured that the major party candidates would put out some AI generated fake video of me doing something embarrassing or maybe Rudy Guiliani endorsing me.  But no, that wasn’t their approach.  Instead, a couple of big, burley FBI agents showed up last week and requested a blood sample for DNA analysis.  Seeing as they had guns and badges, and I fully support law enforcement, I said fine.  

The next thing I know, I get a call from the Department of Justice to inform me that the DNA testing showed positive results for radioactive spider-like mutations of my XYZ chromosomes.  I said so what?  The constitution only requires that I be a natural-born citizen of the United States, be at least 35 years old, and have been a resident of the United States for 14 years.  The shadowy voice on the phone said, not so fast Spiderguy, the congress just passed a new amendment to the constitution requiring that presidents can’t be mutants.  My head was spinning.  Who would think those guys could ever agree to such a thing?

Now, the word on the street is that Attorney General Merrick Garland is about to appoint a special counsel to investigate all of this - some guy named Norman Osborn and his assistant, a guy named Mephisto. Together, they supposedly make Jack Smith look like a pussy cat. There’s gonna be an announcement from Garland in the coming days and a big long investigation.  Maybe a couple of state indictments too.  And if I don’t play ball, I might get spirited away to Guantanamo Bay where I’ll make my web in a tiny cell for the next 20 years.  Crikey mates…   What to do?  Maybe I should pack up my web and take a political commentator job on some cable channel.  I guess we’ll see.

So, if any of this comes to pass before the election, I hope that you’ll vote for the candidate that you believe will best defend the our constitution and democracy.  Vote for the candidate that defends liberty and justice, not just here, but around the world - places that are far away where people yearn to live their lives in peace and be free (Slava Ukraini!).  Vote for the candidate who will reject murderous dictators and evil regimes.  And always, and I mean always, defend the right to hold free and fair elections with no intimidation or violence.  By doing so, you will be honoring my campaign and my legacy, and that is even better than being elected President!  

If you’ve come this far, you are probably aware that I post both humor and serious stuff and you have to sort it out.  Please leave a comment letting me know that you enjoyed it (or maybe not), and any similar experiences you’ve had.  You may know others who enjoy this sort of thing and, if so, I invite you to share it with them.  

If you'd like to leave a comment, but you get an error message, it's probably because you have your browser set to reject 3rd party cookies. The solution is to select "anonymous" where the window says "comment as". Just leave your name or initials if you want to let me know who you are.  Thanks for reading this!

Campaign Update - The Spider Chronicles (Labor Day Edition)

Well, it’s almost Labor Day – the traditional start of the election campaign season.  At least it used to be, before the major parties decided that presidential campaigns essentially never end.  In any case, you may have noticed that I don’t play by their rules.  Either way, I thought I should update you on the status of my own campaign for the highest office in the land and plans for the fall. There’s good news, and more good news.

It's been a great summer for my campaign. I’ve been modeling my plan for being president, with great success. It’s been incredibly smooth. No hiccups, no drama, no need to constantly raise your stress levels through divisive policies or crazy campaign rallies or obnoxious and offensive remarks. I’ll bet you haven’t heard a thing about me in the news media all summer. Think how nice that would be for the next 4 or 8 years. No stress, no drama, no problems. Good government should be like your furnace or plumbing – it should just work, and you shouldn’t have to think about it.

I have had several successful campaign events which included well attended twice monthly guitar pulls on top of Mill Mountain and 3 or 4 trips to Blue Cow Ice Cream with my wife Denise. People have been very supportive, especially for my choice of Triple Berry Crisp at Blue Cow. As your president, I pledge to always make wise choices, especially at the ice cream parlors all across this great nation.

The highlight of my summer was an unexpected campaign boost a couple of weeks ago as I was cutting my lawn. I felt something crawling under my shirt, a quick sting, and then escape out the back collar of my t-shirt. I swatted it away and never even saw it. A day or two later, my arm looked like somebody hit it with a hammer and was pretty sore. I took a picture of it and sent it to my buddy Tom, who has also been my allergist for years.  I said “hey Tom – what the heck bit me”?

He quickly responded that it was a spider bite. Not just any spider bite - it was a radioactive spider bite (Tom graduated from the Marvel Comics School of Medicine). He said I would no doubt soon have super powers and texted an image of Spider Man to make it clear what he was talking about. His diagnosis gives me great confidence about my campaign and upcoming presidency.

I’m not even going to wait to be elected to try out my new super powers. Starting Tuesday, I’ll cast my interweb net over those who support divisiveness and hatred in America. I’ll use my powers to help them see that a house divided cannot stand (full credit to Jesus & Abe Lincoln). My web will be thrown over the big businesses and foreign money that currently buy and sell politicians like trading cards and return the power of the vote to the citizens of this great nation. The hallmarks of my administration will be freedom, democracy and equal justice for all, not just here in America, but around the globe. Major party candidates who lack these super powers won’t stand a chance in November. They should probably just concede the election and endorse me now.

As President, I’ll use my super powers to enhance our foreign policy, building strong alliances and partnerships with other nations. I’ll appoint the Avengers to the State Department and direct them develop multilateral approaches to global challenges, such the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. I’ll use my Spidey Sense to neutralize dictators and all of their weapons of war and converting them into new technologies for peace and prosperity of all mankind. My administration will prioritize aiding countries facing crises such as recovery from war or natural disasters. I’ll increase foreign aid budgets and lead efforts to address global issues like poverty and hunger using Bobbo Bucks, which I previously addressed in my blog back in April.

My domestic policy will implement comprehensive crime prevention programs. This will include increased funding for education, job training, and community outreach initiatives to address the root causes of crime. I’ll use my Spidey Sense to break up drug cartels and organized crime, turning them all into first class day care centers and educational centers for young parents and those who wish to retrain for new careers.  I will boost funding for scientific research and development and encourage STEM education and innovation in fields like clean renewable energy, and medical research. We will reduce inequality and promoting social justice for all, with initiatives to address wage disparities, improve access to healthcare, and combat discrimination. And yes – we will conquer cancer, addictions and depression.

There will be no webs of deceit and justice for all will be the cornerstone of our democracy. No one, not even I, will be above the law. Those who attack our nation with lies and deceit will pay the price for their evil ways.

These are my pledges to you as individuals and as we, the people. Tell your friends and neighbors that we are on the brink of a new era of peace and prosperity.  God bless our troops, and God bless our nation and world. Don’t forget to vote – it all depends on you.

If you’ve come this far, you are probably aware that I post both humor and serious stuff and you have to sort it out.  Please leave a comment letting me know that you enjoyed it (or maybe not), and any similar experiences you’ve had.  You may know others who enjoy this sort of thing and, if so, I invite you to share it with them.  

If you'd like to leave a comment, but you get an error message, it's probably because you have your browser set to reject 3rd party cookies. The solution is to select "anonymous" where the window says "comment as". Just leave your name or initials if you want to let me know who you are.  Thanks for reading this!

Group Therapy

Boy, the past 30 days have been exhausting and stressful for most Americans. The presidential debate and post-debate handwringing. Trump’s assassination attempt and subsequent hand wringing. The republican convention and all the ear bandages. Biden’s out, Harris is in. The two hottest days in recorded history. Israel. Gaza. Iran. Ukraine. Something about cat ladies. Facebook hackers. Homelessness. It’s all pretty stressful and can make a person miserable. All of which is why I highly recommend group therapy. It helps to balance out all the insanity in the world. 

So, what is group therapy?  For me, it’s gathering atop Mill Mountain with my therapy team about twice a month for a couple of hours. We share songs, pointless stories, and meaningful hugs. We don’t talk about politics or social issues (though they may come up in a song). We don’t talk about whatever is frustrating or irritating us. The whole point is to leave that baggage behind and focus on what we love - the music. Allow me to introduce you to my therapy team (in no particular order). 

Alan is a Grateful Dead and Blues aficionado. He is soft spoken and eloquent but plays blues guitar like a man possessed. He also knows how to add the most elegant lead licks imaginable when backing up another therapist. He had some health challenges last year but seems to have beat them and we are all grateful for that. His girlfriend Nancy always brings cookies for the group and together, they bring calm and joy to everyone. 

Louann is a life lesson on overcoming adversity. She played cello in high school and, after 50 years of not playing, picked it back up and uses it to bring joy to others. She has been through surgeries, falls, broken bones, and other assorted challenges, but always overcomes and brings sweet songs to every therapy session. She reminds us that while life has its challenges, you can use music to overcome a lot of them. 

Mirna is our sweet singing, classical guitar playing, Latino mom, who often brings sweet Spanish folk songs from her native Bolivia when she is not covering Gordon Lightfoot. I usually have no idea what the Spanish words are, but I could listen to her for hours. Even the birds are jealous when she is singing.  

Bill is our original hard core New York folkie with a fistful of stories and original songs that we all know by heart and sing along with. He used to live in a monastery, and then lived and worked with Pete Seeger for a while before he arrived in Roanoke. When he’s playing, he puts everything he has into the song and people from all around get into it. He still goes out and plays festivals occasionally, but mostly focuses on his charity, which provides musical instruments to kids who couldn’t otherwise afford them.  

Mona just took up playing about a year ago and writes these incredibly funny and emotional songs about learning who we are and accepting ourselves, even if we aren’t quite perfect. I don’t know that I’ve ever met anyone who works so hard at their music, and she always puts a smile on everyone’s face. 

Sue is another one who just took up music and playing. She lost her husband a couple of years ago and moved to Roanoke to start over. She teaches all a lot about starting over and overcoming life's challenges with music. 

Keith is an amazing singer-songwriter and performer and brings equal amounts of humor and respect to every therapy session (when he doesn’t have a gig). Sometimes people who perform at the highest levels don’t like to spend time with others of lesser experience or talent. That’s not Keith. As good as he is, he always nurtures and respects the rest of us and amazes us with his talent. 

Aspen is another touring pro who has won numerous songwriting and performing awards and spends a lot of time driving around the country playing and performing. When she’s around, she’s always around encouraging the others and usually revealing some new gem she’s working on. 

Lynn is an artist and likes to show up with her pad of paper and water colors. She paints wonderful portraits of people in therapy, singing and playing their hearts out. If you get a portrait of yourself from Lynn, it’s always a joyful honor and timeless keepsake of what’s really important. 

Then there is the mountain itself. Mill Mountain to be specific. Right in the middle of Roanoke, with the world's largest man-made star and two large decks overlooking the Roanoke Valley and looking westward to the ridgeline of mountains where the Appalachian trail is. There’s nothing quite as beautiful as watching the sun set over those mountains while playing music and telling stories with your therapy team.  

They are my core therapy team, and they help keep me grounded and functional. Of course, there’s many others who join us from time to time. They all bring something special to help us find the joy in life and charge the batteries before we get back to the daily grind. I don’t think that I could do it without them! 

If you’ve come this far, you are probably a songwriter or, at the very least, a serious music lover. Please leave a comment letting me know that you enjoyed it (or maybe not), and any similar experiences you’ve had. You may know others who enjoy this sort of thing and, if so, I invite you to share it with them. If you'd like to leave a comment, but you get an error message, it's probably because you have your browser set to reject 3rd party cookies. The solution is to select "anonymous" where the window says "comment as". Just leave your name or initials if you want to let me know who you are. Thanks for reading this!