Day 10

Today's blog is a special one. 39 years ago today, one of the most interesting and unique people was brought into this world. The man, the myth, the legend, Cousin Steve. Long before there was "The Dude," Jeffrey Lebowski - made famous by Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski - he was "The Dude." His nickname in high school. Growing up, he was my idol. I had 1 male cousin and 9 female cousins, so it was easy to follow him. He is 10 years older than I am. He played middle linebacker for Beachwood High School in the 80's and my brother and I went to everyone of his games. I knew all of his friends and to me, a 7 or 8 year old, they were like NFL players. The infamous run-in we had at Matt's 8th b-day party was stuff of legends. In a backyard family softball game, I was at first base and Aunt Nancy was at the plate. She ripped a shot towards right center and Steve went for it. The next thing you know - Crash. He crushed me. I don't remember it happening, as I was only 5, but the entire thing was captured on videotape by my dad. It must be the most re-run tape in family history. I came up in tears, my head looked like it had been busted open. In a classic post-incident interview, Steve said "he came at me....I'll sue 'em!"

After High School, he went out to CU Boulder, and for the most part, never came back. Even though we haven't lived in the same city since I was 9, we have always remained close. My freshman year at KU, Steve came to visit for my birthday and stayed for 5 days. They were honestly 5 of the most memorable days of my college experience. When went on our own journey together that weekend - me and the dude. Even though he was 28 and I was 19, he fit right in with my friends and everyone loved him. 2 years later he would return to Lawrence, unannounced. One night, there was a knock on my door at 2am on a Friday night, I looked in the peephole, and there he was. When I opened the door he said "a word to the wise, don't ever give me your address, because I will find you." Another classic moment happened at Jacobs Field in 1994. My dad, Steve, my buddy Dise, and I all went to the Tribe/Rangers game. Jim Thome hit a foul ball a mile high, it kept coming and coming and coming. Steve didn't move even though it was heading right for him. Dise, in seat 4, gave a full stretch and made an unbelievable catch falling over into my arms and catching the ball right where Steve's head was. To this day Steve said Dise saved his life. The funny part of the story is that when a p.r. person came to ask Dise to enter into a contest and list his name and address, Steve shewed the guy away and told Dise not to do it. He didn't want Dise to "sign his life away to the Alluminatas, the underground society who secretly runs the government." Classic. There is nothing better than getting a message on my cell phone at 2am with a quote from "Back to School." But that's my guy, the Dude.

Steve has been through a lot in his 38 years. And no matter what it may be, he always kept a positive spin on it. He has battled sicknesses, knee problems, breakups, and family loss. Throughout it all - he has always remained who he is. He hasn't changed. Since the death of my father and my mom's illness, so many people have talked to me about life and loss. But few have meant as much to me as Steve. His outlook and perspective are so unique. We have had many deep conversations that have meant so much to me, words can't describe it. I know he already knows this, but I appreciate our friendship immensely. Even though we are cousins, truly, he is my brother. So lets all give it up to the man himself on his 39th b-day. Steve - I love you bro.

Song Of The Day: In honor of The Dude's favorite band, the song today is "Ramble On Rose" by The Grateful Dead. My favorite dead song. "Sittin plush with a royal flush, Aces back to back."