The Superior Express -

Cousins are a wonderful connection for any family to have. They are an important family extension. Having lost most all of my aunts and uncles, their children are carrying on the legacy for their side of the family.

I feel blessed to have many cousins near and far away. My mother had eight siblings which created numerous cousins. On my father’s side, he had four siblings. Each had three or more children. Some of my cousins keep in touch with me regularly. Some make a connection once in a while. There are a few whom I never hear from but I try to keep track of each one. Thanks to social media, keeping in touch with the cousins is much easier. There are a few cousins who make phone calls to stay in touch.

Several of my cousins live within 100 miles from me. I meet up with them from time to time. Then there are those who live far away in South Dakota, Florida, California, Arizona, South Carolina, Colorado and even one in France. I have memories of playing with them as children, babysitting a few of them, and of course, there were a lot of weddings, anniversary celebrations, family reunions at which we were together. Yes, we even meet at funerals.

Photos often show my cousins and me as youth playing on the porch steps of our grandad and granny’s farmhouse. Some cousins rode horses with me; some double dated; some got to play dress up together with our aunts’ dresses; and there is a memory of my uncle taking us cousins to a movie theater. One cousin passed her dresses to me as a teen. One cousin rode in a parade with me. My twin cousins were flower girls in my wedding. There are photos of us at family reunions and holidays. We had so much fun watching each other grow up and eventually having our own children. Where did the time go?

Recently, I reconnected with three cousins who I hadn’t seen in years. As often happens, it was at a funeral. It was great to get to visit with them and learn about their lives and families. I was able to meet their children and I was able to see some of their grandparents in their faces and actions. As we said our goodbyes, we promised to stay in touch, I hope we do.

I know if I am in need of something, my cousins will be there. It’s a strong family relationship. What a great feeling to know you can count on your cousins.