Linda Jones
Dear Shannon and Family
My family and I share heartfelt condolences to everyone for the passing of Gary. Shannon thank you for the loving care you gave to your father for the past several years. We are beyond grateful to you.
My first memory of meeting Gary (and Paul) was in Baltimore, Maryland. My mother took me to Baltimore on a train ride to see my cousins and Aunt Tina for Easter. It was so special! I thought Gary and Paul to be the luckiest kids in the world. Why? Because they lived in a high rise apartment complex that was full of kids of all ages with playgrounds and a forest behind the building.
Gary and Paul came back to live on Michigan Street with Grandma. At that time I lived there along with Vince, Uncle Eddie, Uncle Joe, Aunt Bonnie and Aunt Tina. Imagine all the aunts and uncles were in their twenties and in and out of the house. Recall that Grandma's house had two bedrooms. We had a huge yard with a surrounding ten foot fence next to the railroad tracks, a huge garden and a dog named Spunky. Gary incurred polio and he wore braces on his legs. Grandma swore it was because he played in the dirty rain water puddles in the street. Gary survived the polio at a young age but he experienced leg issues in later life.
Gary, Paul and I attended St. Michael's School together. Gary and I were in the same class and I kept an eye on him. We considered ourselves rich kids of the north end. We were rich in so many ways. Grandma would dig into the bottom of her purse to give us her change so we could buy candy that they sold on the playground. There was always food on the stove. We had to play outside! Oatmeal, spaghetti, nature, wild aunts and uncles and love set the baseline for our future. Babies came first and the kids ruled supreme.
Gary was my first best friend. We shared both joy and fear of the "animal train" growing up. I have many many great early years of childhood memories that I shared with Gary. I am fortunate to have shared that with him. His memory will not be forgotten. Sending love to all.
Your cousin,
Linda