Thursday, September 18, 2025
I have many happy memories spent at camp with my cousin Jef. When we were kids we would spend time with Gram there. I am pretty sure she shooed us out of the kitchen early in the morning and we were off to a day of exploration and amusement. We were on the lookout for bad guys, armed with sticks, pinecones and various other imaginary weapons. To my recollection, we were always successful as I do not remember any evil visiting us in Chipmunk. We were always on the go, heading somewhere. To the creek (pronounce crick, thank you!), exploring the fields, riding our bikes, and when it was just too hot, spending afternoon cooling off under the weeping willow. When evening came Gram would bring out the cards for games of war, go fish, and memory when we were young. As we got older, we graduated to gin rummy, euchre, and, when our hands were big enough canasta! We learned to be good winners and losers around that table.
When I was in seventh grade, we moved to Franklinville as a result of family difficulties and I had to start middle school classes mid-year. (What could be worse!) I was excited to be in the same classes with Jef. I can clearly remember walking into the classroom that first day and seeing his smiling face. He did a great job of making me feel welcome in the new school. He made sure I felt safe and comfortable. We also started our epic battles to earn the better grades! When Regents Exams started in 9th grade our battles moved to new heights! I am pretty sure I would not have flubbed Geometry had it not been for the “friendly” competition. Even while competing, we still found plenty of time to have fun going to dances, hanging out with our friends and later taking long drives just to have the chance to chat.
Good-bye my cousin/friend. I will keep you in my heart and remember all the good times we shared.
