There is something about family that you can’t find anywhere else. Being close with your family is different than having a best friend. You are automatically included, there is no way to avoid it. There's no awkward first meeting, you have all grown up together, and even if it is months or years between seeing each other, it's family; you still have all the same things in common. And the family members that really, truly understand the strength it takes to be part of your family and will always be there to support you no matter what, are your cousins.
No one else can understand when your grandparents start to say things that don’t really add up. No one else can understand that the family sense of humor is never meant to be offensive, but usually is. It’s far and in between that you can find someone that can relate on every level and fully understand what it means to be part of your family.
Cousins are your first friends, and if you are lucky enough, they will always be your friends. It doesn’t matter how different you are, or if you only hang out when it’s a forced by a family event. They are always there to see a movie with you or give you a ride somewhere. There is no judgment between cousins. They have seen you at the most awkward stages of your life, and understand where your little ticks come from.
For the last fifteen years, I have gone to school with my cousin. From the first day of pre school, all the way to the first day of college, I have got to share all those memories with her. More than anyone else, she has gone through everything I have, been my security blanket, and even when we would hang out with different groups she would still be my best friend. I will forever be thankful for the journey we have gone on together.
Your family has got your back one hundred percent of the time. They are there for the best times and the worst times. You can always count on them to be there to cheer you on no matter how far away they are. And even if things are rough between one another, they always want the best for everyone in the family, because family is more than blood, it’s a connection between people that can be stretched, but can’t ever be broken.
There is no one that could ever replace the insaneness of my family. I know everyone at one point in their life wishes they were born in a different family for whatever reason, but I honestly think that the family you have is there for a purpose. They are what make you who you are and that family you wish you were born into, wouldn’t create the same amazing people.
There is no one I am more thankful for than my cousins. They are always there for you. You're forced friends, but you're the best friends you could ever have.
