To My Wonderful Cousins,

I don’t even know where to start.

We think the same, talk the same, and act the same. We just understand each other. Through our countless inside jokes, we basically speak a language only we can understand.

I never understood how lucky I was to be so close to my cousins until I realized that some people aren't.

They don’t know what they’re missing out on.

Cousins are like built-in best friends, born right alongside you. Having the same experiences with most of the same people means developing the same likes and interests, and this was always so effortless with you guys.

You’re the best cousins I could ask for, and I just want to thank you.

Thank you for always being there for me, both physically and emotionally. We've been at each others' sides through the endless family parties, graduations, and tough friendships, and I’m so grateful to you for that. Even though sometimes we may go months without seeing each other, we’re constantly in touch, and when we reunite over the holidays, it’s like no time has passed.

Black Friday shopping, plays in the basement, shared vacations, and countless frozen yogurt dates are just some of the memories I’ll take with me throughout my life.

It's from you guys that I learned the importance of the expression “family first.” As friends come and go, people change, and life moves forward, you've been at my side since the beginning, and still are.

You understand all the family drama, know everything about my past, and support my dreams for the future. I hope you know that I support yours, too, and will always be there for you through any passions that you have or decisions that you make.

You are among my fondest earliest memories, and our family photo albums are littered with pictures of you.

You are among my most recent memories, from surprise birthday visits to trips to hipster cafes.

I’ve grown up with you, I’ve laughed with you, cried with you, and found best friends in you.

And no matter how old I get, I'll always treasure the time we spent together. I’ll always reflect on the memories we’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned from your unconditional friendship. We may be growing older each day, but we’re never growing apart. You can always count on me for homework help, life advice, or a conversation if you’re bored. I can't wait to keep making more memories with you.

You bring light to the expression “cousins by blood, best friends by choice,” and you bring light to to my life. I’m so blessed to have people I know I can count on forever, and even more blessed that I found them in my own family.

Thank you so much for the best days of my life.

Love,

Your Forever Best Friend, By Blood and Choice