The other night on Facebook I read a post that was funny and relevant to my family. Here it is:
“Cousins are usually the first friends we have as children. No one will ever understand your crazy family like your cousins do even if you haven’t talked to them much lately.”
I had to laugh out loud because that statement fits my family so very well! It brought back to me memories of my favorite cousin who I grew up with. We lived down the street from each other and we were only one grade a part in school. We went to the same elementary and high school together.
I liked to call us the “Dynamic Duo” because we went everywhere together and when people talked about us we were always mentioned in unison like Batman and Robin. She was truly my first best friend.
Since we lived so close to each other we played every day together, walked to school together, rode our bikes up to the store and snowball stand together. Some of my favorite memories are of us just hanging out in my room and laughing together. Not about anything in particular but just cracking up laughing together.
I always loved to have a sleepover at her house, but never stayed the night because I got homesick. When we rented the camp on the lake during the summer we would lay on the floor with our flashlights and see how many bats would fly around at night. We would always fish off the back peer and bake ourselves to a crisp under the summer sun.
As we grew older we doubled dated together, went to football and baseball games together and rode around in her green Chevy by the all boy’s high school together! (Oops! Maybe too much info.) We even got in trouble together.
No matter what happened we were always there for each other and I knew I could always depend on her for support. The one thing I regret most was that she could not be in my wedding. She was on bed rest for her first child and couldn’t come, but she was never far away from my thoughts. During the reception over gumbo, her older sister and I toasted a glass of champagne to her.
We have shared and survived so many crazy family times growing up together that I can’t list them all. She has been my touch-tone and helped me through some really dark times. I know I can always pick up the phone to just talk or vent. She’s always in a good mood and when I get off the phone I’m always smiling and feeling better.
Even though her own plate maybe full she is never too busy to lend a hand. When we come in for a visit to New Orleans I know I can stay with her and have the best time ever. My husband and kids just adore her and I love when she leaves a mint on my pillow! Her southern hospitality is the best.
My favorite time spent together is our “girl’s day out.” It transports me back to those days growing up and going shopping, having lunch and just hanging out. The best part is when we go through the drive-thru daiquiri shop and pick up some frozen White Russians! (Talk about re-living puberty again!)
I love spending that time together with her. I really hate when we have to leave. Although we are hundreds of miles a part from each other our connection is strong. That is why when I came across the post in Facebook about cousins I just had to write about her.
I know I might not say it enough, but I love you my cuz! You are one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met and loved in this world. Your spirit is pure and loving. I am so glad that God made you my cousin. You are one in a million! This is for you.
Love your crazy cousin,
Theresa
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