Johnny

I was looking at the MSN website this evening and there was an article about Dirty Dancing celebrating twenty years. Reading the brief write-up reminded me of 1987. It seems I have been doing that a lot lately.

If you recall, in October of last year I mentioned that one of the songs in the movie was one of the 'soundtracks of my life' as I heard it non-stop in Germany in '87. If you haven't read the post go back and look it explains the whole Germany thing.

1987 was the year I 'officially' met my Mother's sister. her husband and children. I had met them years earlier but I didn't remember them as I was too young. Yes - I didn't remember something. For those who comment on my good memory cut out and keep the last sentence. You may never see it again.

That time in Germany was one of the most special times I can remember. It was heartbreaking to leave. I even feigned an illness on the day we were set to fly out in the hope it would keep me there a little longer. It didn't work.

Nor did it work when I tried it again in 1988!

I can't really pinpoint what it was about staying in Germany but one of the main things was my cousins. I looked up to them like brothers. A brother was something I missed out on so for those weeks in Germany my three male cousins became my big brothers. I also had two older sisters if you count the female members of the family but I had that back at home with my cousins who were around loads when I was growing up.

William was the eldest and I don't remember much from him (okay, I forgot something again!). I recall he had amazing artistic ability.

Sean was the one closer to age to me. I copied him in so many ways. When he liked skateboarding, I did. When he would have spiked hair, so did I. When he fought with me, I fought back.

Then there was John.

Johnny was the one who came to collect us from the airport with my Uncle Dennis. I remember seeing him and he had long blonde hair and was the tallest 'sonofabitch' you could ever see.

In the year or so after our first visit to Germany Johnny came over to stay with us for a period of time. He took my Sister's room. She took mine and I had a choice to make. Sleep on a camp-bed in my room or go in there with my cousin. I picked the latter.

Those months he stayed were great. In hindsight I probably didn't appreciate it as much as I do now but it was a good time.

In the mid 1990's - after spending time in England - the family were back in the United States and we lost contact.

Until two weeks ago.

My Aunt rang us up and she gave me her email address. A few days later I got an email from John and I signed up with AOL to chat to him. It was great catching up. The last time we had spoke was 1991 so we had a lot to catch up on.

He's done alright for himself. He has a family of his own with a successful job.