mario party ‘64

I think about Dan often, and really cherish my memories of him. I didn’t get the chance to see him or speak to him all that often after I stopped spending my childhood summers out in Calgary and moved across the pond to the UK, but I am so grateful I have these memories. What a fun guy to have been able to call my cousin. When I think of my time spent with my cousins in Calgary, I remember fondly the epic basement with the giant TV, hockey nets, and puck marks on the walls. I think Dan was definitely responsible for introducing me to Mario Party ’64, but he demolished me every time I played him at the mini games. Truthfully, I think he secretly put my character on the easier setting without me noticing so that I’d have a chance. He was a cousin I really looked up to and loved spending time with. Even though I was a few years younger, he never made me feel like it was a hassle and even came up with a fun nickname for me (RayRay!) when I told him I was having a hard time with some kids at school calling me a name that wound me up. He was always interested in what was going on with me and was always wanting to make sure I was having a good time whenever I was away from home for the summer. I can’t remember, but I am told Dan would be the one to tell me I needed to shower when I was fresh from the horse ranch – glad he was honest! I just can’t help but smile when I think of him, full of the feelings of remembering how much I looked forward to getting to spend time with him all those summers ago growing up. I’ve gotten a lot better at Mario Party though – would have been dangerous in a rematch.

Dan was a really special cousin.

-Rebecca-Anne