Cousin Crystal

In the black and white and septa tones of early childhood, I remember loving all my cousins but especially Allen, Penny and Crystal. Whether racing soda cans down winding creeks in cozy camp grounds or exploring the nooks in Grandma Peacocks basement , we were always happy to play together.

A few years later, Uncle Bradley moved his family to San Jose and as my Cousin Kelly mentioned, staying over for weekends was special.

There seemed to be a very carefree way about that household . Music was becoming an important component as well.

Even though Crystal didn’t play an instrument, she was always an encouragement to my musical development and took my side on the Rock n Roll vs Country debate. They had Meet The Beatles but it was always in the closet. As if to remain out of sight.

As Mom mentioned, Crystal took my bedroom as I was at ISU during most of that period. On the weekends I’d come home, we would burn the candle at both ends .....and would burn more if more ends appeared.

I remember one particular night after a gig, we ended up in a band‘s rehearsal space. After about 30 minutes, a full out water, beer and toothpaste war broke out. Cases of beer were opened and sprayed like fire houses during Summer.

After the beers were drained, Crystal and I got in one of my cheap ass cars, and drove home at daybreak.

The engine was smoking as we pulled up in front of my parents house. Like two vampires, we fell out of the wreckage, me in torn genuine imitation leather pants, crumpled suit jacket and peacock feather ear ring and Crystal in boots, scarfs and shawls with a bible she had picked up somewhere in the confusion. What a sight it must have been!!!!

As luck would have it, mom and dad were just leaving to go to one of Jamey’s races.

We walked past mom, toothpaste in my beer soaked hair and Crystal with her bible. All she could say was “Go to bed Jerks!!!!”

Crystal and I had many nights like that.

We really had a bond that boarded somewhere between sister and friend. I loved her and she loved me. She always had my back.

She and I were always kind of looked upon as black sheep of our families. We wore that badge proudly. We were content to just listen to music and enjoy the happiness that a simple life could provide.

Eventually we both grew up .... some..... and began careers. I was so proud of her accomplishments at the Guard although in private she always said she hated it...at least to me.

Months before her Mom passed away, Aunt Sarah had met me at Prudential where I was employed and asked my advice on getting money to the three kids when she was gone.

She took my advise because she trusted me and after her passing, I personally delivered those checks.

Much like her mom, Crystal came to me months ago and asked for advise. It was my pleasure to help her. She always trusted me and I never wanted to let her down.

She brought me gifts after every trip she took and I’ll never forget the look on her face as she would hand me these treasures.

I have her Fleetwood Mac albums and I will always cherish them.

Crystal loved cherry pie, but not the Cherries......she loved The Rolling Stones!!! She could dance just like Stevie Nicks...but she could rock a military uniform. She was a wonderful mother.

She was my Cousin, my Sister and my friend. I’ll miss you but I’ll never forget.

I’ll see you again in the Memory Motel.

Dude 2/24/18