In 2013, Ken Tekiela revealed a secret to his son that he had been keeping for over 20 years.
He had been struggling with a severe heroin addiction and was distant from his son for several years. Concerned about his father’s worsening condition, the son took the initiative to enroll him in a detox program to help him overcome his addiction.
Despite a few setbacks, the father’s journey towards recovery had a positive trajectory. This newfound sobriety seemed to open up communication channels between the father and son, leading to a significant moment of confession that caught the son by surprise.
Ken Tekiela tells his story in “Crook County.” (Kyle Tekiela)
Kyle emphasizes that this is not just a typical mob-related story but rather a poignant tale of self-discovery and growth within a fractured family dynamic. He acknowledges the stigma surrounding discussions on mental health and emotions, highlighting the transformative power of vulnerability and therapeutic communication in his relationship with his father.
“I think it’s so important for families to talk about hard truths,” said Kyle. “As soon as you start keeping secrets, that’s when it all falls apart.”
New episodes of “Crook County” are available for streaming weekly.
