Tuesday, June 7, 2016
We were kids together growing up within blocks of one another in Rock Island, IL during the late 30s, 40s, into the 50s. We called each other "Cuz" because we were cousins -- probably more like sisters. No one memory springs forward, just a lot of little ones. Endless Monopoly games during summer vacations on our big screened porch. (We'd often make up our own rules). When "Susie" a black cocker spaniel pup joined their family. Cuz and I would get her going running from their living room, through the dining room into the kitchen and back again. It was the age of the telephone party line and we had one. Never more fun than listening in on my eccentric neighbor's conversations. Sunday drives with her and her folks just north of RI or over into Iowa to visit relatives on their farms. Different stuff for a couple city kids. Live network television came to the Quad-Cities in 1950 and the Welches were one of the first to get a black & white RCA table model. Hours we spent with Uncle Miltie, Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca and on and on. One of us must have observed that many men on tv wore striped ties. It became a game to see who could yell out, "striped tie" first when we saw one. (We thought we were clever) There are hundreds more memories of good times. We grew up, I came to Chicago, Cuz and her young family moved several times settling in Colorado Springs. We always kept in touch--letters, phone and not-often-enough in person visits. I'm days from turning 80 and years take their toll. I simply don't have the energy and confidence to make a solo trip to Colorado. I'll share the sorrow with all who read this, who knew and loved her. Good journey, Cuz !
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