Family
*The importance of being close!
This past weekend, the first weekend in May- I attended a family function in New York. Now, I travel to New York frequently because my sister and her husband and children live in Long Island. I love my nephews and couldn’t imagine not seeing them as often as I can. Now prior to this particular visit, I hadn’t seen my nephews since December. Between a full-time course load at school and losing my job, I couldn’t afford the frequent back and forth trip. I was dishing out 70 in travel fees every couple of weeks to see them, but I could no longer keep up with that. With that being said, it was the end if my semester and I had one more final left so I decided to go up for the weekend.
I spent a day and a half at my sister’s house and then she and her husband drove me to Elmont to my cousin’s house. She was having a celebration for her only daughters 1st communion. In my own personal households, meaning my mom, dad, and sisters- I was the only one who had the time to come. Now, I haven’t seen my cousin face to face since her last son’s baptism/dedication. He is about eight years old now. I have been travelling back and forth to New York for 3 years and it never occurred to me to go to her house. I am so ashamed about this because that’s my big cousin and I love her. Even though we barely see each other, she always takes the time to call or text me to make sure I’m okay. We picked up as if we were never separated!
Now, I’m my defense- I do not understand the bus or train systems in New York at all- as I didn’t live in New York long enough to learn, so it’s not all my fault that I don’t know how to get to her house. (However, going home- I took the subway alone for the 1st time. Different story for a different day). Anyways, while catching up I realized that I missed so much and that her children are so big now. I realized that it is unacceptable to be having these gigantic gaps of time without seeing each other. Our parents’ generation has their problems (also another story for another day) - but we haven’t let any of that affect us negatively. No matter what: We will always be related and they will always be important to me!
I say this often: the #1 reason why I want to move out of my parents’ home is to have a communal drama-free place where everyone can come together. Distance may separate us, but our love binds us as close as if we were always together.
Families, cousins in particular- are a gift directly from God. They are your second set of sister and brother, mothers and fathers, and most importantly: Best Friends. It is my mission to make sure that "years" do not pass until I see my cousins again!!
As always, Stay BEAUTIFUL inside, outside, sideways, and always!