Walk-A/Work-A/Dave-A-Saurus Rex
Like most activities in the world, the Krempels Center’s programming was interrupted, ultimately shifting to a virtual format by the Pandemic. I certainly missed all the members and KC’s wonderful programming, despite the staff and intern’s Herculean efforts adapting to a virtual format, but it was the intangible connection with fellow survivors on campus that left an enormous void. I hesitate to single out any one particular member, but seeing that I retook the keyboard from Clooney rather abruptly for this post; David Sylvester is a fellow member who I’m compelled to discuss in the hopes of sharing his inspiring and extraordinary good nature.
I know that it was November of 2008 when I first attended KC and while I can’t remember exactly when I met David, it was an instant connection. I like to think of him as “my brother from another mother!” The fact that we’re both vertically challenged may have contributed to our becoming fast friends, but we’ve come to discover many common interests. For one, we both love sports. I would consider myself a fairly passionate Boston sports fan, but I’ll be the first to admit that the strength of my fandom pales in comparison to that of David’s for most Boston sports, but certainly his support for UNH hockey!
In an odd coincidence, David also works for his family’s business. David works at Portsmouth’s Runner’s Alley, a great store providing all things that runner’s need to pursue their fitness goals. I have great admiration for David’s work ethic and the way he interacts with customers. Runner’s Alley is located no more than a few hundred yards from my apartment and offers me many chances to stop by and see my “bro” and brings me to yet another great thing about David.
As I’m sure you learned reading Clooney’s recent guest post here, I love my dog Clooney. In fact, I almost consider Clooney the third amigo with David and I. I say the third amigo in regards to David because of his fondness for Clooney and the special friendship they’ve developed! Stopping by the store to see David is one of the highlights of the Cloonman’s day. Most days we walk by and I take Clooney in to say hello. If David is serving a customer at the register, my normally inpatient pup sits patiently by the front desk waiting for David’s salutation and a quick pat on the head. These pit stops always lift Cloon and my spirits, although I will share a challenge we sometimes encounter.
Like most businesses, Runner’s Ally operates during a set of business hours and not 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Now while I consider Clooney to be a relatively intelligent canine, he hasn’t quite grasped the concept of non-continuous business operating schedules. Like most dogs, Clooney at times needs to go out at odd hours with his usual wake up time being outside of Runner’s Alley hours of operation. Despite his ungodly wake up times and intermittent late night strolls through downtown, it never fails that Clooney tugs at the leash in an attempt to lead us down Congress st. Despite my efforts to take alternative routes when RA is closed, often Clooney’s gentle tugs win out and I find myself following King Cloon on his determined march to see his pack-mate David. As we approach the store’s doorway; Clooney always stops, sitting on the sidewalk, staring longingly at the door whether it’s 5 pm or am, and Sunny and 75 degress or in the midst of a winter Noreaster…
After what feels like a 50 min Psychotherapy session, particularly on those frigid days, I’m finally able to bring Clooney home after a making a solemn oath to bring him back soon. After all, like Clooney, my day is always a bit happier and brighter when I’m fortunate enough to see Mr. Rex!