Sunday, March 10, 2024
Carole Jane: where does a “Favorite Cousin” begin to describe you? Smart, funny, sharp-witted, creative, athletic, strong-bodied and strong-minded, goal-oriented, self-disciplined, independent, and a born leader, to start. You coined the silly “Favorite Cousin” designation that has spanned decades of greetings and salutations amongst us and your “Du Rolf’ mixed-up reindeer provided many a kids’ art activity for me during my teaching career in addition to being the basis for many gymnastics invitationals.
Always the life of the party at family Christmases and other gatherings, you introduced our clan to cornhole (with some giddy asides), created a record-breaking Jenga tower with our folks and were wickedly competitive at card and board games and the annual croquet matches at Pt. Chautauqua.
You were a hero in my young-girlhood, honoring me with flower-girl status at your wedding and snowmobiling at our house as a newlywed while we tried to knock you and Dick off the machines with sharp swerves.
When I’d visit as you gave swimming or gymnastic lessons, you were disciplined in your approach, but mixed in plenty of fun and creativity, laying strong foundations for so many kids’ futures. You were a born teacher, using what, on the surface, might seem like unrelated activities to drive home crucial fundamentals. An example that comes to mind were some long sticks that two people clapped on the ground and then together and another person stepped nimbly between, building rhythm, timing and agility –all critical to gymnasts.
And I remember being so proud of you when you led all those young gymnasts to safety when smoke was apparent in the Masonic Building, never hesitating to worry about details or equipment. The goal, the prime mission, was clear to you at that moment and in so many others, when you picked a path and stuck with it, using creativity to problem-solve along the way but never losing focus on the goal.
In later years, you have been a friend and supporter, helping me through bringing ailing parents back to Chautauqua County, cheering me on with my first children’s book and making time to stay in touch. I will not forget your kind words at Mom and Dad’s memorial service: “You did a good job,” with a slightly teary, big Carole Cotton smile.
I will miss my Favorite Cousin terribly. Rematch(es) when we meet again, CJ.
