I was thinking about my cousins tonight while I was in the shower. Yes an odd place to be thinking of them but it mainly stems from a conversation I had with my cousin Julie. She offhandedly told me how she thinks it very important to clean up well when guests are coming (especially the bathroom) and that I hadn't done it when she and Aly came and visted me one time. She wasn't mean about it by any means and I wasn't offended. I appreciate all she does when I come and visit. So now when I am in the shower I think to myself, is this clean enough for Julie and Aly to come stay with me? And I remind myself that when they do come I will clean the bathroom.
So anyway this put me in mind to dedicate a post to my cousins, not to just the ones mentioned above but to all the ones I have grown close to over the years. When I was young, it was really hard to be friends with my cousins because I was the baby of the family (at least until a certain other cousin came along) and they were all older and didn't want anything to do with an annoying kid like me. When I got to be their age I completely understood, but back then I wanted to hang out with the cool older kids. Not that they always left me behind. I have great memories of playing "guns" (I guess that's what we called it) in Grandma's upstairs. (The balcony closet was always the prime spot)
Well, once I hit college it all changed. I found myself becoming the best of friends with one of the much older than me cousins (12 years I think go figure). Brett. Our friendship was odd at times, bordering on ....well its hard to explain but most of you know the story. Well, then he got busy with girlfriends and eventually getting married so I was forced to moved on to the next cousin. I seem to have a parasite type personality when it comes to friendships. I cling to one person until I've gotten all I can or they are able to remove themself from me but I move on to the next usually the one that is closest in vicinity. But I usually still keep a good friendship with each person even after our lives have diverted ways so to speak.
So next came Jason (well Jason and Brett were interspersed) but I didn't get to see him as often for as long since he went into the military and went to Iraq and then got married right after he returned. Next Kevin R. He knocked on my door one night and I was completely shocked to see him (having had no idea he had moved here from Virginia). The next few months we hung out from time to time and through him I became better friends with Scott. They hung out alot as they had common interests ( not that common! (: ). I was sad the day he moved back to Virginia, though it was a very good thing for him to do. We still chat now and then.
And now I have become great friends with Julie and Aly. They are like the older sisters I never had. I love our visits with each other and how we feel comfortable to talk about anything. I love talking about trips that we'll take someday or not but just the thought of it is so much fun. Already we have in mind: New Mexico, Europe, Canada, Zion. Looking forward to all of them.
Even though I'm not close to all of my cousins I love them all and the many different things they bring to my life. I think these friendships with family are extremely important and come at a time in my life when I need them the most. So who knows maybe you will be the next cousin to join Cassie's best friend club. I can't wait.
8 comments:
Me, me, me next please! Oh, you did say cousin didn't you? As a member of the older generation I've enjoyed watching these connections with your cousins. Nice that age is not impportant any more.
Unfortunately, I think everyone goes through the stage of wanting to hang out with the older kids, and leaving the younger ones out. I'm embarrassed and ashamed that I did fit that category sometimes during my childhood. I'm glad that we are close now, and it was fun seeing you this weekend. I'm excited that I'll be living closer to you. Also, I don't think you're parasitic at all...I think you just like to be the best friend you can be, and that's hard if you have too many friends. And you are an excellent friend, as I'm sure everyone can tell just from readig your post.
Love you!!
I agree with Aly. You are too hard on yourself. It's not like you suck these people dry. You bring a lot to your friendships. That's why even when Brett or Kevin, etc. were no longer your "best friend", they are still really good friends. Because you both value the friendship. Personally, I think it's just a big plot to compare notes on your parents since you all know each of them. Yes, please clean the bathroon next time I visit.
Framed, you figured us out. When we get together, all we talk about is how crazy our parents are.
Aahh you guys are so sweet. That is the real reason I write posts like these so you guys will say all kinds of nice things. Hah! Complete Success!
But really I love all you guys.
Frogtracks I do have a cute memory of you when I was little. You were playing card tricks with me and I could not for the life me figure out how you always pulled the right card. You have always been very nice to me. I love our conversations when we are both in Vernal. We really need to hang out more.
Casssie, as I mentioned in Aly's blog, I've been super busy at work lately and haven't had time to blog. I enjoyed this post. I, too, enjoy our relationship. I agree with everyone else that you are NOT a parasite! What a funny way of thinking of yourself. I can't wait to get together and discuss it in depth! :) Also, I never dreamed that you would think I expected you to clean the bathroom for my next visit!! I don't remember it being horrible or anything. And, if I remember correctly, which I do, I think our conversation stemmed from the fact that I was appalled that I HADN'T cleaned the bathroom before your visit. It was horrible!!
Anyhoo, I'm planning a trip up to see you two in the next few weeks. I'll be in touch soon. Love ya!
I think it was the fact that you were appalled that you hadn't done it that made me think you might appreciate a clean bathroom when you visit me. It's my own line of thinking. We'll have to discuss that more in depth as well.
I can't wait to see you. I hope you are thinking for late September or October because I don't any other weekend. But let me know what you are thinking.
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