Cousins are always there when you need someone. They are always there to pick you up when your down and you will always be there for them too. They are your first friends and your forever friends.

I'd like to first say thank you. Thank you for letting me come over to your house and play cards when I need some time away from university. Thank you for letting me come to your house and drink a whole bottle of wine to celebrate the new year. Thank you for letting me come over to your house and pet your dogs when I am having a bad day.

Thank you for always making time for me even if its just getting lunch, visiting me at work or going to the zoo. Thank you for being my literal day one.Thank you for being the big sister I never had and not complaining about it even though you already have a little sister.

You have been there for me since the day I was born to now and I'm sure you'll still be here and looking out for me in the future. We've been through celebrations and we've been through tears but we've always had each others backs.

I remember my first heartbreak and you were one of the first people to call me and see if I needed you to beat someone up. I also remember when grandpa passed and we were practically attached at the hip at the funeral home to make sure we were both holding up okay. But I also remember how much fun we had on your wedding day, you were the most beautiful bride and we had such a great time. I also remember the day you had your first baby. I came home from college as soon as mom told me you were at the hospital. Everyone was so happy that day and I'm so incredibly happy I got to share that happiness.

You were the one to pick me up at the airport after 4 months of being gone for training and the first familiar face I got to see when I stepped off the plane. We've been together through tears and through laughs and I hope there are many more good times in the years to come.

Now that I am older I realize how important family really is and that they will really always be there for you. We've been through literally everything together. Over the last few years you really have become my best friend and me living an hour away hasn't made us drift apart at all. You're one of the best people I know and I hope you know that you deserve all the happiness in the world.