In the wake of tragedy, community comes together for 2 Twisted Ladies

There are certain places in our community that become much more than a business.

For countless families across our area, 2 Twisted Ladies Ice Cream at 618 Main Street in Cairo has been one of those special places. It is where families gather, children get excited over their favorite flavor, friends meet, birthdays are celebrated, and countless summer memories are made.

But this week, the Cross family was facing a heartbreak no family should ever have to endure.

On Tuesday, September 1, Brian Cross, one of the owners of 2 Twisted Ladies, was involved in a horrific motorcycle accident and sadly lost his life.

In the wake of that devastating loss, Brian's wife, Sandi, and the Cross family made the difficult decision to close 2 Twisted Ladies early for the season. Their final days, Tuesday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 9, would be to sell the remaining ice cream and offer some great deals.

What happened next was something truly beautiful. The community showed up. Due to the overwhelming support, they sold out on Tuesday.

When I arrived on Tuesday, the parking lot was overflowing. People came from near and far, not just for ice cream, but to stand beside Sandi and the Cross family.

They came with hugs, kind words, memories and love. They came because sometimes the best way to say, "We're here for you," is simply to show up.

For years, the Cross family has given this community a place filled with happiness. 2 Twisted Ladies has brought smiles to thousands of faces and created memories for families throughout the Catskills.

On Tuesday, the community had a chance to give some of that love back. And we did.

For a few hours, the ice cream shop wasn't simply an ice cream shop. It was a love wrapped around a grieving family, reminding them that they are loved and that they don't have to walk through this alone.

There will also be a celebration of life for Brian W. Cross, on Sunday, September 13 at 1 p.m. at the Town of Westerlo Veterans Memorial Park, 950 CR 401. The family will be hosting the celebration.

The family has also established a GoFundMe posted on the 2 Twisted Ladies Facebook page for anyone who would like to help with the unexpected financial burden that comes with such a heartbreaking tragedy.

And while the summer season has come to an early end, there is still a little sweetness to look forward to: 2 Twisted Ladies will be open November 28 for their Ice Cream Holiday Advent Calendars, available in both 12-day and 24-day versions, with a different flavor of ice cream each day. Advent calendars must be ordered no later than November 14. I have never heard of an ice cream advent calendar before. Now I absolutely need one! Call 518-622-2500 or text Sandi at 518-491-4788 to order. These are pre-order only.

But more than anything, I hope the Cross family remembers what they saw this week.

They saw their community. They saw the people whose lives they have touched over the years. They saw friends, neighbors and strangers standing together because they care about them.

And sometimes, in the middle of the darkest moments, knowing that you are loved can be the greatest gift of all.

Rest peacefully, Brian. To Sandi and the entire Cross family: our hearts are with you. Thank you for all the happiness you've given our community. 2 Twisted Ladies will be missed the rest of this season—but we are all looking forward to seeing you again next year.

Until then, please know just how much you are loved.

I am your Bro LJ James and I will see you all Around the Mountain!