Circa 1986, as I prepared for Halloween, I had everything in place—my costume, my bag, my route. But you, you had something else entirely brewing. I remember you stirring a huge bucket, thick smoke curling up from it. “Mom’s making her homemade root beer again!” You made this every year, and this was always a highlight. Glad you got your degree in chemistry! ⚗️
Mom, you always had a spirit of doing and creating.
In eighth grade, we made quite a scene in front of our house, you and I building a massive fire that we kept growing, and growing, and growing. When the neighbors came out complaining, you told them to go back inside, assuring them, “I’ve already spoken to our friend, the Fire Captain.” I got an A on that project, smiling because I knew we had surpassed every expectation. 🔥
Anytime I was bored, you would tell me, "Go build something." And I did, with you always there to lend a hand. To this day, I’m still the reigning blanket fort champion, and I’m certain no one has ever rivaled the number of forts we built. No one could take us down. 🏰
The tree fort in the backyard—I still see it in my dreams. It was my haven, a place to escape into a world of adventure. I’m sure my favorite police car toy is still out there, waiting.
I remember one rainy day when you called me to come inside. “I can’t; I’m digging to China!” I was out back, digging a hole, convinced I would make it somewhere. Worst case, I’d have an underground bunker. You just smiled, letting me stay out there through the storm. Unfortunately, this idea wasn't mine though. Jeff and Matt Cole had the most insane underground bunker I had ever seen and I wanted my own. 🔎
One of the best birthdays I can remember was around fourth or fifth grade. You and Dad had built an obstacle course in the backyard, and that year, you gave me a life-sized Lincoln log pipe kit. Those were incredible. I built forts, boxes with wheels—things I can still picture vividly even now.
Boy, the 80's were a good fort building, bunker digging time.
No wonder I still seize any chance to create.
Now I see it in Travis. His imagination runs wild, always building, dreaming up new ideas, coding his next VR game. And when he’s not doing that, he’s at the table with Legos or rummaging through the garage for parts to build his jet pack, go-kart, or hover machine. ⚙️
We miss creating with you.
❤️
Jake