It isn't everyday that you have to fly to another continent to see your family or have to pay extra money to call them over the phone. I've never been able to bike down the street to see my cousins or even travel across the country to meet. New Jersey is 5,081 miles from Chile, and that always feels like living a world away. Nowadays, almost everyone that I know is best friends with their cousins, spends Sundays with their grandparents, or at least sees their immediate family regularly. The past seventeen years of my life have been remarkable and I am beyond thankful for that. It is crazy to think that the last time I saw my cousins and my mom's side of the family was the seventh grade. And before that time, I hadn't seen them since I was in first grade. I've grown up without them by my side and we've lived completely different worlds each day of our lives. Although I may not see my loved ones often, they are always a part of me.
lf I could tell my cousins anything, it would be this:
To my dearest cousins,
I cannot thank you enough for being the most charismatic people in my life. I do not tell you often or ever enough. We've been apart for most our childhood, but with that comes much greater appreciation for just how special our bonds are. Our instant connection clicked when we were just babies, when life was nothing more than pacifiers, tiaras, and blankets. Our love is unconditional, so thank you for that.
Over the years, we've watched each other grow up through the screens of our phones. There is nothing that I ever desire more than to see you all here with me. Distance has always been a struggle but nothing has ever been impossible. I'm often nostalgic over our memories, our family times, and the last vacation we spent together. I cannot help but smile and shed a tear when I go through some of the oldest photos of us. I constantly want to flip through countless pictures of us but soon "countless" becomes never enough. I haven't seen you in almost four years and life has only changed more and more. Thank you for giving me everlasting memories that I will forever hold closely to my heart.
Most importantly, I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us in our ever-so chaotic, beautiful, growing lives. You will always be my family and you'll always be irreplaceable. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish I could hug you for the slightest second. Thank you for being my hardest goodbyes.
With all my love,
Tu prima, Kylee
