I remember Mom and Dad dropping my brothers and me off for a short stay with our Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins who lived in distant Ohio when we were little boys. I remember Mom telling me I was lucky to stay with my cousin Tom (hanging out with our only boy cousin, who happened to be four or so years older than me, was a pretty big deal!). My Uncle Ed said he thought I looked like his family and said I was always welcome there. I remember being excited to hear Aunt Phyllis say that I get to sleep in Tom's room. As Tom wasn't home yet, I remember exploring the contents of his room and admiring all the cool stuff that older kids like Tom get to have. Moments later, I heard Tom's big-kid voice shout, "Brad!" as he walked in with his taller-than-average stature shadowing me; I was sure I was in trouble for rummaging through his stuff. Gladly, however, all of us who know Tom's manner of kindness and caring demeanor throughout all his years shined through instead. Rather than getting busted for snooping around his room, I was relieved when Tom said he was glad I could come and stay for a while. He got right into plans he'd made to pack as much fun as you possibly could into just a few days.

He showed me how they swing from weeping willow branches to be able to fly over the creek in his backyard; he taught me how to shoot a pellet rifle and warned me not to disturb his dog "Pepper" while he ate; I couldn't resist the temptation after Tom stepped out and I got bit anyway. I remember my delight when Tom put me in line to drive his motorized mini-car before his buddies, who had to wait their turn after me. And when I became distraught after being pulled into the motor by my shirt, I remember how Tom calmed me by giving me one of his cool big-kid shirts to replace my destroyed one. I later wondered if that moment gave Aunt Phyllis the idea to generously send me all of Tom's colorful hand-me-down school shirts I always wore with pride. But, of course, many years have passed since then. Still, I've carried lessons learned as most kids do from warm childhood memories like these: for one, never poke a dog when he's trying to eat, but most inspirational, the virtues of being an all-around good guy like my cousin Tom, for sure.