Cousins

I have ten cousins in my family.  I am the only girl.  We didn't get together that often because we were in military families and were stretched across the United States. There were a couple of occasions that  I remember us being together--When my aunt and uncle came home from the Netherlands and for my grandma's funeral.  I don't have great memories of us all vacationing together, being together for holidays, or having fun sleepovers as kids.  And although we spent individual time with each of the families, over the years we have lost touch and rarely see one another.   

Our children have had a completely different experience.  The favorite times in their lives center around times spent with their cousins--on both my side and Greg's.  I'm so thankful for the bonds they have.  Whenever we travel to Indianapolis, if at all possible, Greg's entire family gets together.  It's not always easy--four of our nieces and nephews are adults.  But this kind of time is a priority for all of us.   We don't do anything special. We eat, sometimes play games, talk and laugh a lot.  I see our girls blossom in this atmosphere and it always makes me sad that times like these happen only about once a year now.   

I have only one sibling--my brother, Richard.  He and his wife, Shelly, have four kids and live in Colorado. Colorado is a long way from North Carolina.  Seeing each other is a huge investment for both of us.  But, we are committed to it.  Our kids absolutely love being together.  Right now, my nieces are here visiting with us.   I must say, it is so much fun having them. There is nothing dull about having four teenage girls in one house. There's a lot of giggling and not much sleep going on. But, in the grand scheme of things--sleep is overrated.  

Kelsey and my niece, Alicia, have been looking at colleges together.  They will both be seniors.  We've talked about how great it would be if they ended up rooming together at the same college.  I know it's only a slight possibility, but it warms my heart that it is even something that they are talking about.  

For the past year, I've been wondering. . .is there something we can do to ensure that these relationships will remain strong?   I hate to think that they will grow apart--especially when I consider how much they mean to one another.  The bonds that they share are worth nurturing and hanging on to.  

So, here's to cousins!  There really is something to say for extended family.  And, here are some pictures of my kids at their happiest times.

   

Comments

[Mom]

I loved the article on cousins. I also had two cousins close in age, but living far away (Calif to Miss.) What I really love about these times is the technology that is available to help keep these close relationships going. We didn't have computers, cell phones and regular long distant calls were expensive and were used mainly for grandparents. Technology is great!!