As Easter comes to an end and you head back home, I can’t help but focus on all the reasons why I am so grateful to have you in my life. You may have been my very first friends because we were forced to be together, but the years have only strengthened our bond. People say family can be complicated. To me, it is rather simple.
Sometimes I wonder if you truly know how much I appreciate you. I think it’s time to put those feelings into words. We have been through a lot together: life, death, sickness, health, celebrations, mourning, happiness and sadness. As I reminisce on all our memories, I notice how one thing remains the same. Despite the situation, tragedy or fortune, you have endured it all and stuck by my side. For that, I am blessed to call you my cousins and best friends.
After watching Yiayia suffer and eventually seeing her pass, I will never forget how we rallied around each other. From the supportive texts, late night eulogy writing, passing of the tissues at the funeral, continuous bear-hugs, humorous recollections and the “all in this together” spirit, you showed me that we were joined by blood but unified by love.
Let’s not overlook that time years ago when one of us was being bullied at the town pool. We showed those kids exactly why they should never mess with cousins. If someone torments one of us, they torment all of us. We did not care if the lifeguards threatened to throw us out, because only family can bother family. As the tallest and strongest cousin took the blame for something I did, I knew in that very moment that I had my own guardians. We protected each other from everyone and everything.
Although I could write books about all of our crazy antics and infinite memories, I want to thank you for one very important thing: Thank you for being my safe place and continuously greeting me with open arms whenever I need a break. Jersey can be a fast-paced, dog-eat-dog, stressful world. Yes, I might be a bit of a city girl, but I always find comfort, peace and relief in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, with you by my side.
Whenever we are riding the rhino through the woods or blasting country music around the bonfire, every single anxious or depressing thought is lifted off my shoulders. Honestly, this whole “adulting” has hit me hard. Saying a forever goodbye to family and friends is rough. Growing up and taking on responsibility is somewhat terrifying. However, I know that even though we like to bust each other, you will always be there for me, and I promise to always be there for you. My friends are awesome, but my cousins are irreplaceable.
I love you, more.
