Cousints

You know how they say you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family? I am so lucky to have such a great group of "cousints" (as Meg calls them) who I am not only blessed to count as family members, but friends, too.

Maybe I have a different perspective, because I am older than most of them, but it's been amazing to go from playmates to friends, and watch them grow into young adults, through their own experiences and trials. I remember Easter egg hunts, Camp Lucy, babysitting adventures, family reunions, weddings, babies and shore weekends. I'm lucky that we get along so well, and hang out so easily, and keep in touch with each others lives. I'm touched and thrilled when they come to me to share stories, ask advice and even to lend me support, even from across the country, and even when we've grown apart over the years. I'm glad to be a godmother to two lovely young girls who are growing up so fast. I'm glad to pass down family stories and contribute our own. I'm so happy that a few of them have started blogs of their own, so I can stay updated, regardless of if they're in Germany or Newark.

Come to think of it, I think cousins are better than just plain old friends - because our family bond is so strong, you know they'll love you no matter what, and you can be honest with each other, and respect each other, through anything.