Uncle Laurel was always so skinny; in this picture, with him looking more filled out, I am struck by how much he resembles his brother, my grandfather Abram Kool. I will miss Laurel; he (and Buddy) were part of my "summer visit" tradition since I was a toddler. I don't have first memories of Laurel--he just always "was." And he was always welcoming, and smiling, and shared his home, his kittens, and later, let me poke through his antiques to my hearts content. I have a beautiful antique marble turtle top table he let me buy from him at cost early in my adult life--because I was young and poor, he let me make monthly payments. I have always cherished that table because it came from him, and I always will. Although in all my life Laurel was a "steady eddie" like-a-rock kind of grown up guy, I remember my Grandpa telling me Laurel was a little wild when he was young; this enchanted me more with him, as I've always admired those who color outside the lines... I know a fellow can't live forever, but he will reside with me, in my heart, all my life.
with love, Megan
