I got an email from my sister in law (is she still my sister in law?) last night saying that dave’s cousin died.

Here’s the thing, writing a blog makes me more thoughtful about my life and even though I hadn’t seen Bobby in over 30 years I had just been thinking about him the other day.

He was a sweet person with a sad life. I think he had some mental problems and maybe some drug thing after serving in Viet Nam.

When last I saw him we were in Kentucky and he agreed to mind my dog, Norman while the rest of us went out for the day. Let’s not even discuss that I wouldn’t let Norman stay alone but right there is why I can’t get a dog now.

Through the years he called a few times and ask to “borrow” money.

I once sent him $500.

He called again about a year ago and left a message asking for money. The message ended with him saying “Either way, I love you guys.”

I played it for dave who asked his father if we should send him the money and dave’s dad said that he has two sons who take all his money and his needs are taken care of by the VA.

So we left it at that.

Just the other day I was thinking about this and wishing I had sent him the money. If he had been my cousin I know I would have.

Even if his sons took it he would have known, or thought, we loved him too.