Happy Thanksgiving from Corey B

I am very thankful for the relationships that have been bonded through the Gator family. Many of you have tried to express our relationship with your other friends, family members, etc....and they just don't get it! That's why this blog is so important. We cannot let these bonds go to waste. We may not like everyone all the time, but I know that if anything happened to any of us, we'd all be there for one another, regardless of locations, time, and distance. I have had such a wonderful childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood as a result of these relationships. We have all laughed, danced, played ball, ate, fought, danced some more, annoyed, snapped-on, made fun of, loved, and cried with one another for over 20 years! Don't let our legacy, no matter how big or small, be forgotten. Tell your kids about our relationships, the funny stories, our experiences. Tell them how they are supposed to be a friend, and a brother or a sister. Tell them that its ok to trust. It's ok to ask your man's moms whats for dinner. Tell them about our nicknames, and how we got them. Tell them about the boat rides, ski trips, walk-a-thons, new years eve, the Savoy, Parkside Plaza, 181st. & Belmont ave., 2121, Dennis Lane, Crabfest, Great adventure, the late nights on the corner or on the stoop. The safe neighborhood, the community Sergio's and Cadillac Craigs cookouts. Speaking of Cadillac, his birthday is very close, so when you see him, give him a Big Hug and a happy birthday shout out...then give him one for me too! I remember when we couldn't stand each other! I didn't want to be near him, and if I was, I snapped on him alllll day! We showed absolutely no respect to one another. Then somehow, along our journey, we realized we were brothers, Gator brothers, with a common bond -181st. and Belmont ave - we were not going anywhere! We are as close as brothers to this day because of that bond. Cadillac, I'm sorry that I couldn't make your wedding. And I miss your moms too! she always showed me love when I came back to the block. She always knew where you were and what time I could expect to see you. She made sure that you knew I was in town. She was a huge influence! And so was Ms. Joanne! So somebody, anybody who's reading this, please let them know about Ms. Joanne! You know this is her time of year, and ya'll are probably going over there to go get a plate. Shoot....make me wish I was in NY. Oh, and Ms.Bowman......tell Ant to make me a plate. And if you're on the block, swing over to Ms.Bailey's crib and ask for some sweet potatoe pie...its the BEST. I'm thankful that I can eat 5 times today...but ironically, we can all eat 5 times today because of our relationships through the Gators.

The Lovely Ms. Eloise

Cadillac Craig's mother - May She Rest Peacefully - We Miss You!