Some memories of Josh

Josh and I dated for several years in the late 1980's, when I was at Barnard and he was in grad school at Columbia. We met in the summer of 1987, through my friend Brien Riley, with whom Josh was then sharing an apartment on 101st St near Central Park. That area has changed a lot since then -- but we had some very happy times there; I remember in particular being with Josh in the crowd around the Jazz truck when it came to 100th St in the summer. I remember another night - maybe the same summer, my first spent in New York City, I think - when we were part of the huge crowd standing on the east river drive to see the July 4th fireworks. Somehow we were right up front -- and I remember his arms around me & how blown away I was by those gigantic, colorful explosions.

I have so many memories swirling around my head it's hard to put anything down. But I've been thinking a lot about the time we spent in Westchester, and his loving knowledge of the river valley and the river towns. I remember one day when we walked around the Rockefeller property, and there was no one there except us and some cows we came across. There was no sign for the path we took, but he knew it was there; and I remember him telling me all about the history of the carriage roads and the mansions and the family. It was a beautiful place. I remember another day hiking around Bear Mountain, with what energy he tackled getting to the top -- and how spectacular the view was when we got there. But just driving up the Taconic in his mom's car or riding on the train with its incredible river views could be as memorable with Josh. And all those were places I saw first because of Josh.

There were a lot of firsts for me with Josh. He taught me how to play tennis, for example (we played in Riverside park on courts with no nets). He introduced me to a lot of music, and perhaps more importantly introduced me to the ways one can find and explore new music. And he was my first serious boyfriend - so there was a lot of learning for me there, too. It's a long time ago; some of these memories almost feel like dreams. And yet they're essential to who I became, and continue to become. Thank you, Josh.

With Pamela, Pat and Bram in my thoughts and prayers.

Jen