Friday, October 28, 2011

Happy birthday

17 years ago tonight, I went to a surprise 30th birthday for my cousin John in New York City. I've written about him here before.

I've been pondering writing a post with a letter to my 16-year-old self - I was 18 when I met John and 28 when he died.

Do you ever wish you could write someone who has left this world, now that you're older and wiser?

Miss you, big guy.

16 comments:

Lynn said...

(((HUG))) I know you miss him.

I would love to have a conversation with my friend Julie who died in 1993. Yes - I've thought of that often.

Riot Kitty said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
G. B. Miller said...

I do. However, the ones that want to do it with either passed away at my own age (cousin, brother-in-law) or were much older (father, grandfather & grandmother).

Just the same, it's the thought and the genuine memories that counts, not necessarily the deed.

The deed is just simply delicious icing on the cake.

Unknown said...

Yes, I think about my mom all the time and wish I could write her.

Very touching story.


http://valentinedefrancis.blogspot.com

Ileana said...

To answer your question, yes. I can picture the guy I'd write it to right now, a 15-year old boy from the neighborhood who died from a stab wound at a Kool and the Gang concert. He was a friend, but nothing like what you had with your cousin, John. I'm sorry it never stops hurting. How can it?

Green Tea said...

I know the feeling..cancer has not been kind to my fiends and family.
Losing my sister,my first best friend in the past year was very difficult..mostly because it could have been prevented if she had given up her smoking vice.
I sometimes sit on my deck late at night and have conversations with her and others, someday maybe they will stop by :)

Green Tea said...

My fiends??? :0

Shionge said...

Big Big Hug RK...yes I miss my Father all the time and I might not pen a letter to him I miss the time just chatting with him listening to all his stories in China... *sniff*

Claire said...

Yes. Sending love your way, sweetie.

Cxx

Riot Kitty said...

Thanks everyone...Scarlet, that is just so sad!

Granny Annie said...

It is often a double blessing when cousins are among our best friends. Why did you not meet John until you were 18? You obviously loved him dearly. That song is powerful for everyone who misses someone.

themajessty said...

I wonder about that all the time.

Although if I were to write a letter to my mom, it would be something along the lines of, "Dear mom...I finally have boobs that can fill out your cheongsam. I rule."

Riot Kitty said...

GA: John was actually a second or third cousin - his father and my grandfather are cousins. I didn't know him until I moved to NYC, at which point my grandmother got in contact with his mother and said, "Hey, doesn't John live in NYC?" I have a huge extended family.
LDML: I am sure she knows! :)

A Beer for the Shower said...

I wish I could talk to my grandparents on my mother's side. They're both gone now, and they died when I had just entered high school. Prior to that, I had barely ever talked to them, you know, just kiddie stuff, but now that I'm older, I wish I could talk to them. I mean really TALK to them. They were both extremely intelligent and witty. Great storytellers. They're where I get it from, without a doubt (the storytelling. I never claim to be intelligent or witty).

LL Cool Joe said...

Yes, yes. There are so many people I've loved and lost.

The only thing is I'm definitely older, but not any wiser! I think I was more mature at 16 than I am now, and I mean that seriously.

Riot Kitty said...

ABFTS: You are totally intelligent and witty!
Joey: There's something to be said for older and less mature ;)