Ive obviously been thinking about Nick Kraus a lot lately... and I think the most remarkable thing about him (I could make a long list) was his ability to listen. He was the deepest and most intelligent listener Ive ever known. Growing up, he new the name of every song on the radio. You could hum something to him (even badly) and he would know what it was within the first few notes. Playing in bands with him throughout the years - he was our God - he could hear a song once and play it straight through, and he could memorize lyrics and music in a way I never could and never will. At a glance he seemed shy or soft spoken. He was just listening. Some people call this sensitivity, and I think that word fits as well. The word I most heard him say was yeah. Thinking back - Im asking him a question or asking him to do something and hes looking down, looking back up and saying yeah. One of the reasons we all loved him was that we felt like he was listening and agreeing. He was always on our side. Always. Through the years I think he struggled with this - he cared about everyone and wanted to please them, but there were obviously other things that he wanted to do and accomplish. He couldnt make everyone happy. So, at times he retreated. You might not hear from him, he might not return your call. The last time he and I spoke was over three years ago. It was frustrating, but I think Im only now starting to understand what was going on. Or maybe Ill never understand. At times like these were all trying to find meaning - sometimes where it doesnt exist. Ill conclude all of this by saying that I miss Nick a lot and feel the loss not only as his friend, but as his colleague. There was so much more that he could and would have given the world. Well never really know all that he was capable of over the span of the next 50 or 60 some odd years. That is, except for the fact that beyond a shadow of a doubt I know that he was capable of anything. In so many ways, he was my better. Its hard not ask why him and not me. Was Nick great and do I miss him and will I remember the good times always - as he would have put it, simply, yeah.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 19:21:32 +0000
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