AUNTS AND UNCLES - CELEBRATION

By Diane Forrest

A few days ago we celebrated Cousin's Day.  That day wouldn't be possible without our Aunts and Uncles.  These are the brothers and sisters of our parents and their spouses.  My mother has one sister.  I remember spending a lot of time with her when I was younger.  She is a schoolteacher and would give us "kits" to put together to occupy our time and hands, and exasperate my father.  She got married late in life, or so it seemed at the time.  She was in her 30's, had moved to Texas, and then started having children of her own.  Her visits became less frequent, but still very special each time she came with her family.

Tragically her husband, my uncle, died suddenly and unexpectantly, and his death not only broke our hearts, but also changed the amount of time we got to spend with her and her daughters.  Fortunately we can still talk by phone or email and keep in touch that way.

My Father has a brother and a sister.  His sister, my aunt, is more like a second mother to me.  I grew up around her and her family, and am still as close to her today as always, and I can call her any time and know she will be there to listen to my problems or cheer me up.

His brother also moved to Texas, so spending time with him was infrequent.  I recently went to visit him in Texas after the sudden and unexpected death of his wife, my aunt.  She had fallen and hit her head on the concrete garage at their home, the day before they were planning to come here to visit me for my birthday.  She remained in the hospital for the rest of the month, and I had planned to visit, however she passed away before I got the chance.

According to holidayinsites.com, Our Aunts and Uncles mean a lot to us. Among other things, they are most likely:

• The backup caretaker when mom and dad go out, or are at work.
• Real characters at family get-togethers and events.
• Someone we can talk to and related to – some things we just can talk about with "parental units".
• Sound counsel and advice.
• Someone who takes you to fun places and events.
• Someone whose house is a great place to sleepover, especially if you have cousins.
• The ones who give you great presents for birthdays, Christmas and special events.
• And, the benefits of Aunts and Uncles go on, and on, and on

Today is Aunt and Uncle Day.  If you are able, visit them while you still can, or give them a call or even email.  Let them know what a special place they have in your life, and even if time, distance and other obligations may prevent you from visiting, they are never far from your heart.

CELEBRATING COUSIN’S DAY

By Diane Forrest

My father had a brother and a sister, and my mother had a sister.  As their siblings grew up, married and had children of their own, they offspring became my first cousins.  My father's brother was the first to have a child; he became the oldest cousin, the cool guy.  He was the one we all looked up to, because he experienced everything first, and shared his experiences with the rest of us. He also lived in the big city in Texas, so was able to do a lot more than us in Mississippi.  He was the first to drive a car, the first to get a job, the first, and as far as I know, the only one to participate in a rodeo.  He was the first to date, the first to graduate, go to college, get married and have children of his own.  Even though we didn't have much opportunity to see him often, the times we spent together were like we had never been apart.  He was, and still is, an amazing superhero cousin.

My father's sister only had one child, a daughter.  She grew up very close to me and became more like a sister than a cousin.  We shared many memories together, many holiday get-togethers, and so much fun.  She was by my side when I was married, when I divorced, when I had my baby, when I remarried, and when my husband passed away.  I know that any time of the day or night I can call her, and she will be there for me, and sometimes even with a frozen Sara Lee Cheesecake with strawberry topping and two forks.

I recently celebrated a milestone birthday and these two cousins conspired together and threw me an incredible birthday weekend.  Even though I had been able to talk and keep up with my oldest cousin, it had been 30 years since I had seen him.  He surprised me along with my other cousin and made the trip from Texas to Mississippi leaving me shocked, awed and surprisingly speechless!

Friends my come and go in your life, but your family will always be there. Some are lucky, and have many close cousins who spend a lot of time together, and some only see each other and family functions.  I am lucky to have wonderful caring cousins that even though time and distance and life circumstances prevent us from seeing each other, I know that all I have to do is call out their name, and I know where ever I am they'll come running as fast as they can.

Today is Cousin's day, so why not take a few minutes and call your cousins or send a text or email just to let them know you are thinking of them and you appreciate them being a part of your life. 

Let us know of your cool cousins.