Trevor and I are the same age. We celebrated all the firsts together - first day of school, first school concert, first Holy Communion...
Growing up I was painfully shy and stuck by Trev for many of our social outings. It was Trev who danced the "old-fashioned waltz" on the school concert with me because I didn't want to dance with anyone else. I knew I could relax with Trev, he wouldn't judge me - he was my buddy.
Later in life Trev was my defender. No one could say anything about me or do anything to me in Trevor's presence. Some learned that the hard way. I knew if I needed him he would always come to my rescue - and he did on a few occassions!
His nickname for me was "cuz." That spoke volumes about Trev's feelings toward family. In a sea of friends I was designated as different, set aside, because I was family. Trevor sense of family was always apparent but became more pronounced when he became a father himself. He rose to that challenge and excelled at it.
Those who knew Trev well enjoyed his sense of fun. There was nothing that he couldn't laugh at. He could always find a silver lining and help others find it too. But Trev had a serious side too and it was never more apparent than when he talked of family, especially Nan and Pop Hynes. Trevor idolized his grandparents, they were indeed his heroes.
I am a richer person today for having had such a special friend in my life for 33 years. I will try to live my life a little more like Trev - find the fun when there seems to be none, and love my family and friends like there is no tomorrow.
Sleep softly Trev until we meet again. My cousin, my friend, my defender, my buddy - I love you!
Tammy
