A few days ago, we lost my cousin, Blaine. He was the second child of my generation on my father's side. He was only 59.
As kids, we spent quite a lot of time together and those memories always bring smiles. As we grew up, play gave way to exploration, much to our parents' concern, I imagine. Our explorations grew more bold over time – as we often wandered away for the better part of a day. Eventually, exploration graduated to making mischief – which seemed to have been one of Blaine's particular talents. There was playing recklessly among the equipment and livestock feed at his Grandpa Wead's feed store. I will never forget the look on Grandpa Wead's face after that stone, launched from a slingshot landed inside the office near the scale, he standing amid all that glass. I am still not sure if the look on his face was one of astonishment or amusement, but I don't think he was angy. I do know the look on Blaine's face – fear.
Blaine was more impulsive than I, and often one thing would lead to another. One exploration I recall, occurred probably in the very early 70's, as I380 in Iowa was under construction. That night, Blaine and I were out just cruising around in my car. We came upon a road closed sign where one of the roads severed by the the new superhighway now ended. Beyond, blocking my progress, but calling to Blaine, was the new pavement which would eventually carry millions of cars. My thought: Gotta turn around. Blaine's perspective : “Don't you want to be first?” So, off we went, lights out, down the fresh pavement until it went no further. And you know what? Despite my doubts, it WAS fun. We were first!
Over the years, I saw less of Blaine, but when we did get to chat, we ended up talking about books, ideas, what was really important in life – and laughing. He was reader and a deep thinker. I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of hours with him about a year ago, where we did much of the same. As we were standing outside in the sun, Blaine wrapped up the conversation with “By and large, Tuck, life is good”. In the months since, I have thought of that often when I find myself frustrated by some triviality. I suspect I always will.
Here is to you, Cuz. Your are right, life IS good.