Tribute to Geno!

To my older brother “Geno!” I would be in remiss if I didn’t discuss our mentor and male role model Eugene Edward Simien. I say “our” because not only was the male role model for my siblings and I but for all of us here in NYC. It was about a dozen of us that Geno influenced for we grew up as brothers and sisters instead of 1st cousins. Even our 1st cousins down home in Maringouin were influenced by Gene. Since our father passed away when we were very young, we looked up to Gene cause he was the oldest by 4 and 5 years. My brother and his best friend Alan Winston taught many of us how to play basketball back in the day. He was high jump and triple jump champion in High School. Just an amazing athlete and wonderful person Vietnam Nam veteran and a fantastic basketball player. For 25 years of my life he was my mentor. I can never forget his smile and his contagious laugh! Our eclectic taste in moist mainly because of him. December 28 was his 69th birthday. My brother Gene passed away in 1988. He was just 38. I wrote this to let him know that I will never forget him and the things he taught me. Until we see each other again… Peace and blessings!