A Cousin's Reminiscence (excerpt)

I have two small Paul anecdotes.  When Paul was a small child, he was the first of all of the cousins, and was completed spoiled and doted upon by all of his aunts and uncles.  My dad was always great with kids, and used to always say, "Paul, would you like some "s..t", spelling out the word very slowly and carefully.  Every time, Paul would yell out, "Ice Cream!!!"  My father seemed to think this was a hoot as he told the story for years.  Another family story was the time Paul volunteered to pick up Aunt Rhoda at the airport when he was in college.  Rhoda arrived in Newark and there was no Paul.  She called the house in Ridgefield and Paul answered the phone.  He didn't seem to understand why she was perturbed that he had anwswered the phone.

Paul was the patriarch of the cousins.  While the other boys would exclude me from their games, Paul always spent time with me and I always loved when he was around.  As I got older, his charisma was palpable, and he always lit up the room when we had a family gathering.  He was very much like his father Stanley, who I absolutely adored.

When I was in my twenties, my mother was clearly concerned about the caliber of guys I was dating (and rightfully so may I add).  So one day we had a serious conversation and she asked me to describe the kind of man I would like to marry some day.  I thought for a moment and quickly replied, someone just like cousin Paul.  My mother beamed.  Apparently this was precisely the correct answer.

Alas I did continue on my path of inappropriate boyfriends for many more years until I was ready to settle down in my late 30's.  Was it a coincidence that the man I fell for was a physician and had a strong resemblance to Paul?  I can't answer that, but I can tell you that there are other more important similarities.  My husband is a real mensch and the most loving man I know.  He is a loving father to my two step-children Seth and Serena, and the most wonderful husband I could have ever imagined.  He is kind to everyone who crosses his path, funny, and energetic beyond belief.  He has accomplished much as physician, administrator, manager and now as a consultant and educator.  It sometimes exhausts me just hearing about everything he has done in a single day.  It certainly sounds like I am describing my cousin Paul, and I know that my mom was so thrilled that I had the good sense to follow my instincts and settle down with Jonathan. 

I think about your dad a lot, and although we were not in close contact, I really miss him.  It makes you kick yourself when its too late for not helping to ensure more regular communication.  I am so grateful that four of Paul's cousins were able to come to Atlanta to be with you all, and that day has made me want to connect more regularly with everyone in the family. 

I will think of more memories and will get you any more photos of Paul that come my way.

Much love,

Anita

Anita Lang Burroughs
Glen, New Hampshire