Cousiness

Last weekend I went to Vermont for my aunt's memorial service and saw my cousins for the first time for quite a few years. There is something about cousiness that makes for an immediate connection, feeling of intimacy and the comfort. Maybe it is the genes or maybe it is the shared memories and family habits and finding when I take out my eyedrops that I am not alone in sharing our grandfather's glaucoma . The first day we talked, laughed, cooked, and hugged for 12 hours straight. And the connection with the kids makes us feel like they belong to us all.

And meeting my cousin's daughter Daphne who shares a large dose of something that feels very much like my own ABJ. Made her absence a bit less painful for just a little while. I promised Daphne that I would introduce her to ABJ - hope they can learn to share a bit of cousiness too :)

The next day was sad, sitting together in the front pew of the church, holding hands, our arms around each other and hearing each one get up and speak about memories of my aunt.

I am glad I was there.