A Tribute To Cousins I had a huge flashback to my childhood over the Labor Day weekend. My extended family gathered in Milwaukee for a family reunion of sorts, and for the first time, my five-year-old son had the chance to meet a large group of cousins who don't live here in St. Louis.
He was so excited! Not just to meet children his age, but to meet the cousins and relatives we ask God to bless every night before he falls asleep.
For me, the thrill was to watch him run around, laugh and raid the bowls of snacks and stacks of soda cans with the next generation of cousins. The kids instantly bonded, talking about Star Wars and singing songs from High School Musical 2.
The weekend triggered so many memories.
My group of cousins are all grown now, and as you've already learned, most have kids of their own. But it feels like yesterday we were the kids, eating candy apples at a family gathering, and throwing them out after two bites. Or running around Disney Land and Knotts Berry Farm, harassing the costumed characters.
I grew up many miles from most of my cousins. But whenever we get together, it as if we just saw each other last week. To this day, we have this ability to instantly pick up where we left off. I got a thrill this weekend sitting back and listening to the threads of conversations and old stories being told by relatives who share years of family history.
What made the time even more special was knowing my son is building his own special friendships and memories, just like the ones that I cherish. Friendships and memories that are made more special because they're made with your cousins.
One day he will one day look back on these gatherings and laugh about the songs they sang and the pranks they pulled. And he'll know there's no bond more special than that of a family. ¶ 11:04 AM