Thursday, May 18, 2023
When I think of my cousin Trip, I think of Sullivan's Island, where we, with our parents, brothers and sisters, numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and our grandmother spent wonderful summer vacations all together. Long before "the Island" became a place of elite, landscaped, air-conditioned homes, we roamed the place barefoot or in cheap flipflops exploring, collecting soda bottles for the deposits, avoiding or picking out stickerburrs that attacked our feet, enjoying the surf and all the beach had to offer. I think of all the times we shared family events with Trip and Lib making sure everyone was well fed with homemade meals. I think of how Trip, before sitting down to eat his own meal, used to take plates of food to elderly neighbors. I think of a birthday cake he made from scratch for me one year. I think of how much effort and love he put into being a father to his children and husband to his wife. I remember once he said he didn't want to go where his children were not invited. He was such a family man. If a family member needed help, he was there. The same with friends. I think of his talent in woodworking, cabinetmaking, and repair and renewal of antiques. These are just sketches of memories, but the feelings I have as I call them to mind are both sad and sweet. I will miss you, Trip