Three Men Embody The Three Musketeers

The only thing better than having a true friend is having two of them. Click on the link below to hear my newspaper column in the July 23, 2015 Fort Collins Coloradoan about three guys whose friendship has withstood the test of time and whatever else the universe has seen fit to throw their way: Long live the Three Musketeers! I wish I could say the same about my monthly community column, although I guess 11.5 years is indeed plenty long-lived. Y'see, The Coloradoan has decided to cut loose its regular writers in favor of what was described to me as a plan to foster more of a community conversation; i.e. allowing more space for more voices. Time to devote more time to the book project I've been charged to write about three men who continue to make a difference from beyond. Bob, Nick, and Paul may not have been the Three Musketeers, but they were and are just as gosh-darned amazing. All I know is this: a writer writes. And so... Thanks, Dear Readers, for your loyal support. I have loved bumping into so many of you out and about, and hope our conversations continue!

WWII Memories Make 70-years Ago Seem Like Yesterday

The 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day was on May 8, 2015. Fort Collins resident and veteran Bert Veen was there. Here's just one of his WWII stories, as it appeared in my monthly column for The Fort Collins Coloradoan on June 25, 2015:





Bert said he weighed between 80- and 90-pounds at the time.

"It helped that I wasn't the only one," Bert said. "Everyone was in the same boat."

This man is a survivor. He survived cancer and care-giving for his wife Juanita, who died of Alzheimer's in 2003.

"Whenever I feel I'm getting depressed, I push it away," Bert said. "I try to stay away from that, and be positive."

Thanks, Bert. You, sir, are positively amazing.

Alzheimer's Association is Making Art Work to Make Memories

Three things I know about Alzheimer's: 1) Alzheimer's is not normal aging; 2) Alzheimer's is an equal opportunity disease in that anyone, anywhere can get it; and 3) Alzheimer's is a death sentence. How can it be that there is still no cure, no treatment, no prevention for this cruel and inhumane condition? Of course, money for research and support is needed, and the Alzheimer's Association has found a beautiful way in which to get it, as I wrote in my May 28, 2015 monthly community column for The Fort Collins Coloradoan. Click on the 3:26 link below to hear all about it:






The Alzheimer's Association is committed to obliterating Alzheimer's, just as assuredly as Alzheimer's has destroyed so many lives, and not just those of the victims. My mom may be "free," but Alzheimer's still has me and mine in its grip. This is trauma, friends, with a capital "T."

The "Memories in the Making" Annual Art Auction is Saturday, June 6 from 6-10 p.m. at the Fort Collins Hilton. Call the Association at 970-472-9798, for more info on how beautiful art works in the fight vs. ugly Alzheimer's!

Wellington boy still inspiring others 10-years later

Nick Gaucher just wanted to be a regular kid. But here it is, a decade after his death, and the 14-year-old's legacy continues to live on. Click on the link below to hear how his mom and sister are doing 10-years after losing an only son and a sole/soul sibling, as written in my Apr. 23, 2015 community column for the Fort Collins Coloradoan:





Nick's courage continues to make a difference at Wellington Middle School, where a banner hangs in the lunchroom quoting this always positive, wise beyond his years guy: "Life is too short to sit by the sidelines."

According to those that knew him, Nick was something of a wise guy, as well, nowhere near perfect, but perfectly now here, grateful for every moment.

Courage Park, just southeast of the school, was dedicated to Nick before he died with the intention of honoring any and all WMS students who demonstrate similar acts of heroism.

If you have connections to Nick Gaucher, his father Paul Gaucher, and/or Bob Drysdale, a former teacher at then Wellington Junior High School killed in an auto accident in 1999, email me at radermross@msn.com. I'm collaborating with family and friends on putting together a book honoring Nick, Paul, and Bob as ordinary guys who became extraordinary role models.

Manner of Death Shouldn't Overshadow Magnificence of Life

A bright and beautiful life shouldn't be obliterated by a dark and devastating death. And so it is that Nichole Prichett-Archibald and I got together to remember her daughter Torry. Click on the 3:44 audio link below to hear what I wrote afterwards for the Mar. 26, 2015 "Fort Collins Coloradoan:"






Joshua Griffin runs The Filling Station in Wellington, a faith-based non-profit that fuels followers. Josh and I connected too late for me to include his comments in my monthly column, but this next bit was just too precious not to share:

"Torry was about 8 years old, and Nichole would bring Torry and the rest of the kids out to our concerts. Torry had this favorite song I wrote called Where Were You? Through the years it became her birthday song. Every time it was her birthday, she would ask if I would do her song. I always said, 'Yes!' Then she would jump up on stage and sing it with me. Torry never lacked for confidence, and I am pretty sure she had more than one birthday every year."

Josh's second take: "We all need to grab hold of life and do what we know is right. if we need to thank someone or tell them that we love them, just do it! If you have a passion, pursue it. Life is a very precious gift, and it is not to be wasted. Torry was a great example of saying what needed to be said and standing up for what is right."

I agree with you, man, 100%. Torry made the impact she needed to and now she's singing with angels.

Timing and Circumstances of Ice-related Deaths is Super Amazing

Football teams aren't really supposed to win - or lose - like the Pats and the Seahawks did on Feb. 1, 2015. That's the kind of unbelievable scripted stuff you see in the movies, right? Likewise, people in real life who fall on the ice aren't supposed to die of their injuries. But they do. Giants owner Ann Mara did. So did my friend John Hancock. Click on the link below to hear what I wrote about the subject for my monthly column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan published on Feb. 26, 2015:









Karen Hancock noted that her husband's death at 5:55 p.m. on Jan. 11, 2015 would have held great significance for John, who studied numerology, among so many other things. I did a little research myself and discovered the number 11 is the first of the Master Numbers, those that cannot be reduced down to a single digit. It represents illumination, transformation.

The number five is often associated with change and new beginnings. And with freedom.

I can hear this beloved champion of truth now: "Out with the old, in with the true!"

A celebration of John Hancock's life is scheduled for Sunday, June 21 at Lake Loveland.

Bypassing the truck bypass

There's a lot of wisdom in Owl Canyon, where most folks know each other in at least a roundabout way. We also now know a thing or two about roundabouts, as you'll hear in the 3:22 audio version of my Jan. 22, 2015 column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan:








If you do venture out yonder to see Larimer County's newest engineering marvel, just be advised: pert near everyone in these here parts owns a pitchfork - and knows how to use it!

You're in the Driver's Seat

I wish you a Merry Christmas, knowing full well that if it's mostly merry, well, then, hurrah! Hear what local counselor Dr. Carl Nassar advises on staying sane this holiday season as per my monthly community column published Christmas Day, 2014 in The Fort Collins Coloradoan:





I sure wish someone would've said those things to me, oh, about 25-years ago when the smallest of perceived slights by one/more of my five sisters would've had me seething. Now I'm blessed to see things more clearly and to take things less personally.

Happy Holidays, and thank you for another year of loving support!

Giving Thanks for Gender Question

Ah, Thanksgiving! No matter your gender, who doesn't love a day devoted to feasting, family, football, and fun? But gender does matter, as you'll hear by clicking the 3:30 link below to hear an audio version of my Nov. 27, 2014 column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan:





Wherever you are on the gender spectrum, I am grateful for your bravery in claiming the freedom that is yours to live your truth. Because you matter.

"Happy T-Day!"

Every Age is "Voteworthy"

Ever since I was old enough to vote, I've voted. In every election. While some would say this lifelong independent has more often than not thrown away her vote, it's participating that's important. Click on the link below to hear what else I wrote on the subject for "The Fort Collins Coloradoan" on Oct. 23, 2014:






While I pray I'll be voting for many years to come, who knows, right? Who knows indeed...maybe someday, sooner than you think, independent voters' votes will become the majority!

Mostly Proud Ram Fan Wants It All

If you asked me to pick a favorite season, I'd say, "The one we're enjoying right now." Truly, I cannot choose! But...I sure do love fall and football, especially when the University of Nebraska and/or Colorado State University are on the field. Click on the link below to hear more about my two favorite teams as I wrote in my Sept. 25, 2014 column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan:


Hmmm, come to think of it...college football really does encompass all the seasons: it kicks off in late summer; is played mostly during fall; and the post-season is part of what makes early winter ever so delightful. And then there's always the spring game to look forward to. "Go, Rams!" and "Go, Huskers!"

Clapping for More Happy Couples

Truly, it was the happiest wedding I've had the pleasure to attend. Click on the link below for the rest of the story, as featured in my monthly column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan:





Karen and Tammi are pioneering on the open plains just as our ancestors did not so long ago, opening hearts and minds just as those who passed this way before opened up territories.

To the happy couple!

MAX is Connecting Our Community

July 5, 2014 was the perfect day to take an inaugural trip on The Fort's new bus rapid transit system. It was hot, hot, hot, but ridership was low, low, low due to the holiday weekend. Click on the link below to hear what I wrote about MAX - and Ron, and Mark - in the July 24, 2014 "Fort Collins Coloradoan" newspaper:





The MAX really is a cool ride. Of course, we've got our work cut out for us on the infrastructure. Let's just say getting to DQ that day from the Spring Creek Station was a bit of a challenge, but the Reese's Blizzards were worth it.

Celebrating a Great City and a Great Father

I'm not much into words with as many syllables as I have sisters - six - but if it's just the right one, well, then that's another story. As Fort Collins celebrates its 150th anniversary, so is my family marking the 90th anniversary of our father's birth. Hear all about it by clicking on the link below, which contains an audio version of my June 26, 2014 column in "The Coloradoan." 

"Happy Heavenly Birthday, Bob!" You, Dad, are missed beyond words.

Long May Flag Day Wave

Flag Day has taken on a profoundly new significance for many in northern Colorado, as I wrote in my May 22, 2014 column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan. Click on the 3:30 link below to hear why:







Glory be, I didn't think I could love Old Glory more!

The Gauchers' touching life and death story is one of such honor, such inspiration. In fact, I'm working on a book with Whitney and Tammy about their families' lives and Nick's and Paul's deaths, as well as another beyond words and this world individual, Mr. Bob Drysdale. Bob's widow, Cindy Drysdale-Kaufman, and his daughter, Erin Drysdale, are also contributing, as is Wellington Middle School Principal Dr. Alicia Durand and a host of other VIPs.

If you've been blessed with a connection with any and/or all of the above, we'd love to hear your story. Email me, Brenda Rader Mross, at radermross@msn.com, or call me at 970.568.0588.

God Loves Ram Fans

Westboro Baptist Church is so anti-gay, they can't see straight. Click below to hear what I wrote in my April 24, 2014 "Fort Collins Coloradoan" column about the church protesting Colorado State University's May 17 commencement exercises:


Some people, right? Thank God some people's kids - like my graduating CSU senior - are able to see with such clarity.

Got Time for a Riddle?

There's just no way to intro this piece without giving "it" away, so, rather, I'll invite you to click on the 3:28 link below to hear my March 27, 2014 column in The Fort Collins Coloradoan: 




Riddled out? Or are you game for another? Send me your favorite!

Students Surprise and Amaze during Black History Month

There's a rich history of honoring Black History Month on the Colorado State University campus, where there's a lot of "telling it like it is." And was. I was honored to feature the BAACC (Black/African American Culture Center) in my Feb. 27 "Coloradoan" newspaper column. Hear all about it in the 3:37 link below:





When Negro History Week was expanded to Black History Month in 1976, President Gerald Ford urged Americans "to seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." Amen, and say it again! And again! And again...

Stoners of a Painfully Different Ilk

Ironic, isn't it, that the two states in the U.S. that have legalized marijuana are on opposing sides in Super Bowl XLVIII. Regardless of how you feel about "Mary Jane," you should check out Bruce Barcott's feature in the Jan. 31, 2014 issue of "Rolling Stone" magazine. 'Tis indeed thought-provoking. My Jan. 23 community column in "The Fort Collins Coloradoan" may not blow your mind, but I hope it will enlighten nonetheless. Click on the link below to hear what I mean:





"Go, Broncos!"

Small Town Support is the Cure

Children aren't supposed to get the Big C, and yet, they do. Click on the link below to hear how a cool kid in a close-knit Colorado community is coping, as I wrote in my Dec. 26, 2103 monthly column for The Fort Collins Coloradoan newspaper:





I hope your Christmas was made merrier than ever, thanks to those you love. Here's to a beautifully bountiful 2014!