Remember Mrs. Kush (is that how you spell her name?), our interesting 3rd/4th grade teacher? She seemed to be forever-pregnant and always snacking on our recess treats. We used to say things like, 'Mrs. Kush always sat on her tush' 😂. Those were simpler times... walking around the school yard, singing our favorite songs. Imagine what those days would look like if we had iPods, cell phones or Air Buds!? Music helped me deal with all the negativity at home and you were always by my side, ready with a distraction, a Simpsons quote and a listening ear. Then there was Mr. Hagedorn, not a name I fondly remember thanks to that almost-suspension situation when he caught me with the binder that had his despicable nickname written on it. I wonder if he ever knew how sorry I was.
Some of my better memories in elementary school were the Air Bands every year. The best attempt was when we did Fun Factory 'I want to be with you'. You will never be able to live that one down. I hear your voice every time the guy raps 'check it out, check it out'. Singing the song wasn't enough though, we had Steven Gibson record the 'music video'. Too bad it was a fake camera, the actual footage could have gone viral on Youtube by now. Serious question, why did we think that old tree stump on the top of the hill was so cool? You could easily embarrass me by telling people about the disaster dance sequence for Backstreet Boys, 'Backstreet's Back'. It started out okay, and ended with me high kicking my left leg out from under me. And I know you still have my 9th grade class photo so I will be cautious with my storytelling.
Since I am taking this very public walk down memory lane, I must mention one of the greatest nights of my life. It can be summed up in three words: Way Back Wednesday. I lost my voice for 3 days after screaming lyrics all night like it was a concert instead of just a nightclub with a DJ. Out of 4.5 hours, there were only two or three songs that we didn't know 💃🏻🕺🏻
Your mad keyboard skills always made me smile and helped make high school bearable. I was always the loud and obnoxious one, you were my perfect balance, shy and reserved. That's probably why you were my top pick for back-up husband. You said yes to my fake, desperate proposal because neither of us wanted to be single, old and alone. Not sure which is worse, thinking 30 was old or believing we could actually live with one another 🤣
I think of you often and always in the month of June. You are my Birthday Buddy (I just made that up) and I miss you. We had made a pact, years ago, before you moved to Toronto, that we would try to see each other at least once a year, around our birthdays. A pandemic can really put a damper on things but we skipped last year too, so I guess a global crisis is not the only excuse. I am reaffirming our pact today!
To the witnesses reading this post: I swear to move heaven and earth, to do everything in my power, to see Tyler Ross Andrade (pretend like I didn't ask you to confirm your middle name), in June 2021 and every year thereafter ☑️
UPDATE: It is now the end of June 2021 and the US/Canada border is STILL closed 😔. I recommit my promise (postponing to June 2022) to see Tyler Ross Andrade for our 36th rotation around the sun.
Happy 35th Birthday - thinking of you today and every Sunday when I clean the house to the Tyler🕺🏻 & Melissa💃🏻 Dance Mix Playlist 🎶
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