Two sad occasions brought together cousins on both sides of my family. Last week after the death of my Aunt by marriage Lucia Porter, and this weekend a get together of my Lewis cousins in remembrance of my Aunt Adelaide, who died in March. It all comes down to siblings and cousins.
I am the oldest of the Lewis cousins, at 68 the youngest Rachel is in her thirties. The support of the cousin network was great. We celebrated my Aunt's life by remembering her and the generations that went before. I was lucky enough to have known two great grandmothers, and both sets of grandparents. I found myself in the position of being able to tell them something of the older generation.
Rachel is an only child, and her mother worried about her not having any siblings. She really wanted to make sure that she had a good relationship with her cousins, especially the 2nd cousins that were closer in age. Those being my sons and family as well as my brother's sons.
I think that we all realized that the family connections needed to be kept intact. So we are going to have to come up with a plan for regular family reunions. Now that our parent's generation is almost gone..... That makes me the oldest living Lewis.....How come time passes so fast, anyway?
Leigh, I know how you are feeling. My family is so small. I thank God daily for Frank and Brian and my extended family. I have no siblings and few cousins, aunts and uncles; and those I do have are geographically not close. Sometimes I feel so alone it's painful. I'm so thankful for everyone in my life. I consider my extended family to include those people I know by blood, marriage, neighbors and friends. Keep those family connections going. We know life turns on a dime. Hope I wasn't too morbid.
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