Steve Lopez
Although I had not seen Randi in 40-or-so years, I have some very fond memories of our childhood that I’d like to briefly share.
Randi was the first cousin I actually remember coming into this world. I was only 5 years old and a new baby in the family was both intriguing and exciting to me. Her parents, Uncle Don & Aunt Joyce were happy, delighted, and proud - as was the rest of the family. Randi was a pretty baby with bright eyes and developed a sense of humor at a very young age. I remember playing peek-a-boo and she would instantly break into belly laughs. She loved playing hide and seek and was very fond of the great outdoors.
As we got a little older I remember our parents taking us to Dees’ for hamburgers and fries. Randi also loved fishing with her dad. At one time, Don had a small motor boat and he took Randi and I up to Strawberry Reservoir to fish. I vividly remember Randi belly laughing when I caught a large yellow carp that was so ugly, I began to vomit. There’s no doubt Randi remembered that moment.
A few songs I remember that Randi loved: “Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” by BJ Thomas and “Short People” by Randy Newman. I don’t hear those songs very often, but when I do, they always remind me of Randi and our childhood together.
As I mentioned at the beginning, it’s been 40 years, but it certainly doesn’t seem like that long. Randi was a sweet person who was dealt an unfortunate hand. That can happen to any one of us at any time. What’s important is to cherish every day and play our cards to the best of our abilities…because in the end, life is short for all of us.
RIP Cousin Randi,
Steve Lopez
