Party for Barry

On the weekend of February 17th, I'm flying to Rhode Island, a place I've never been, to join others in celebrating the life of Barry Cowsill, who died after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. I've been a Cowsill fan for so many years, they were such a part of my growing up, and in recent years I've been part of the Cowsill fan family (also known as "Hair Heads"). The Hair Heads gather almost every year and members of the Cowsill family join them for music and parties. I've always meant to go to one of those gatherings. Never made it, though.

Even though I only met Barry once in person, I feel that he was part of my extended family. Interesting how that works. And his death makes me want to reach out to that big family. Bob wrote something this week about Newport becoming a giant family that weekend, and I think he's right.

I am so drawn to be there, and I found that I could manage it while taking my work with me that weekend, so I booked the two-day trip. I'm really touched that Bob and the family made the invitation open to the fans. I know we will all be kind and respectful of each other, and I know that Barry's spirit will be there too. There will be two memorial gatherings on the 18th, each with its own special feel. I am looking forward to being there, and I'll finally meet some of my fellow Hair Heads.

It's funny. I'm working on my family genogram assignment for grad. school, and I'm thinking about what "family" means in our lives.