MY OLDEST SIBLING

“SIMONE”

The oldest of our siblings. And I don’t mean that in a mean or ugly way. It just means that you have had attention and love longer from this family than the rest of us. And deservingly so.
Fragile and worm hearted. Strong and enduring. Never has anything bad to say about any one. Has always seemed to be willing to sit in the background quietly with little or no attention. Always willing to help and comfort one when needed.
Simone, let me share with you some of the things I remember about my big sister that I will never forget.
My first memory was how skinny you were when we were younger. You, Larry, Ronnie and myself rough housing in the front yard along with Flossie. Remember our pet ?? Hearing Mom screaming at the top of her lungs at us to “ya’ll better stop that before one of you gets hurt. Don’t come running to me if one of you starts to cry.” Now who else would we go running to if not her if we were hurt or crying ?? We used to play pretty rough with each other and many times ended up in fights. I can remember when we would end up fighting and I don’t mean arguing I mean FIGHTING. Flossie would get between us and stop us from hurting each other. True story in my eyes. That was one H _ _ L of a dog.
I also remember parties at the house when You and Larry would have your friends over for a dance party. Ya’ll were so close in age that almost all of your friends were the same. Kenneth, Anaise, Jennette, Fred, Yancy and many others. Ronnie and I would be allowed to watch for a short period of time then we would have to leave the room because we were “Too Young.” But before we were dismissed Dad would put on an Elvis Presley song one of you would give me a broom to pretend it was my microphone and I would imitate Elvis by singing and dancing like him with my microphone in hand. You remember that ?? I don’t know if every one enjoyed it or if they all thought I was just a fool. But it was fun and gave Ronnie and I just a little more time up before being sent to bed.
Music and dancing was always a big part of our lives. Daddy used to have so much fun putting on those Record Hops every Sunday afternoon at the American Legion Hall. I can still see him standing on stage swaying to the music and watching every one dance. Especially his children. Man those were such good times. Don’t you think so Simone ?
Our summer vacations were so simple. Cabins on Grand Isle for a week. Such simpler times yet so enjoyable. How many times the three of you would bury me in the sand because it was getting late and I was getting cold. If Mom and Dad knew I was cold we would have to go back to the cabin till the next day. So I was buried to try to keep me warm and most of all to keep my mouth shut so we could stay on the beach longer. And crabbing on the beach. Great crabs that became our supper for that night. WOW!!!!
When you quite high school and moved to New Orleans to attend Beauty School. I remember going to N.O. with Mom and Dad to visit you at your school. I don’t recall the name but I know it was on Canal St. and very close to the river. You introduced us to every one and I heard some comments from some on how you were right that I was a handsome boy. I was so proud that you talked about me in that way however I do think some of them were men who were gay. (LOL) But what I do remember the most is every one at school called you Sim. I asked you if you liked that name and you looked at me and said “no I hate that name.” I made a mental note not to ever call you that and I never said that name again. I also remember you coming home for a week end from time to time and you always had a different color of hair. And I don’t mean your normal blond, brunette, or red head I’m talking orange, purple and green.
Than Joe came into your life and our time together was a lot less. I couldn’t understand it at the time but of course now I know you were in LOVE. Ya’ll were married and at one point moved to Boute. You were working at a beauty salon on the West Bank. One day I went to visit you at work and you asked me to do you a favor. It was Joe’s birthday and you did not have time to get his gift so you asked me to pick it up for you. Do you remember what you asked me to buy for him?? A railroad watch. He really loved that watch. I believe that is when Joe truly became my friend instead of some one trying to take my big sister away from me. All the times I would go to ya’ll house, sorry trailer, in Boutte and drinking many, many little Miller Ponies.
Eventually Donaldsonville became ya’lls resident where ya’ll would raise your family. Those were good times too. We would go there for Hurricanes. Nancy would cook great food. We met the rest of Joe’s family. Than Guy was born and later, much later, Minta came along. And you spent your time raising your family. And I must add did one H_ _ L of a great job. It is such a pleasure to see and talk to Guy and Minta. They are both so nice, respectable and well adjusted adults. I love both of them very much even if I don’t see them as often as I would like.
Than Joe unfortunately pass on. I’m not going to dwell on this for I know it’s a sore spot for us all. But I do remember that day in the hospital when he died. I loss a very, very good close friend that day. But what hurt me the most was seeing and felling your pain. And just like yourself, I’ll love him forever.
I will always remember how strong you have been with all your medical problems. You never loss your great sense of humor. Nothing seems to ever bother you when it comes to yourself but any one else and you have always been there. You are amazing.
One more thing I remember which is very important to me. Momma always used to say that you cried from the time you were born until you started school then you never cried again. Upon my return from Vietnam when Mom, Dad, Rosie and myself got out the car from the airport everyone was waiting for me inside the house. But I remember you did not stay inside the house. You came out the door and met me on the porch, hugged me and began to cry. I can’t remember what we said to each other. But I DO remember you crying in my arms and heard the words clearly in my ears what Mom used to say about you not ever crying. That memory, that one moment has been and always will be burned in my heart and soul for all eternity.
Simone I will always cherish these things about you, your fragile soul, your gentleness, your kindness, your love and most of all your friendship. Fore you my oldest sibling, are not only my sister but you have always been and remain still today a very, very dear and close Friend.
I will love you always.
Your Little Brod. And Pal
Peter

P.S. To all my other great sisters, I would greatly appreciate it if at least one of you would make sure our “Oldest Sibling” sees this.
Thanks,
Peter