Not Just Another "Pee" in the Pod

The oldest child of Dolly, my Nanny, and Papa was my Uncle Kip. They had not really given him a middle name, just “E.” As a term of endearment, he was called Kippie. I was, however, unable to pronounce his name so I just called him “Pee.” Of all the children Pee probably most resembles Dolly, in looks and personality. He is charismatic, comical, caring.

Pee was popular during school and college. If you scanned his high school yearbook you would notice that his pictures were prominently displayed throughout. He was a class clown as his younger sister, Kerry. To balance the sadness that loomed in the household, we had to find humor wherever we could. After Kathy left, Pee was most often the subject of Papa’s cruelty. This made his tender spirit all that more astonishing.

Pee was companion as I grew up. When I wanted to play he would lightheartedly exclaimed, “Go play in traffic, kid!” Then he would pick me up gently throw me on the floor and wrestle with me. One of my favorite pastimes was listening to him play his treasured guitar. He was very passionate about his music, usually “The Who.” I always knew that pain touched his life, as it had the rest of us. Only fleetingly could I see a faint glimpse of sadness in his eyes. Mostly I only saw his wide smile and heard his gentle laugh.

Pee escaped his father’s home when he reached adulthood. He, like Kathy, was anxious to begin his new life in his own world. I know that I lived a better life because he was a part of it. The love an affection he gave to me will never be forgotten. Even though I only see him rarely, his love stays with me. Pee has lived a joyous life with a joyous laugh to love joyously. My memories of my former playmate will live with me forever.