Aunties, Uncles, and Cousins Galore!

Even though I was raised as an only child  (my baby sister died two months after she was born, when I was less than 18 months old),  I grew up in Michigan surrounded by a myriad of aunts, uncles, and cousins - all just on my dad's side.   Needless to say, there was always a celebration - a birthday, graduation, wedding - just around the corner.  And if there wasn't, someone would find an excuse to have a family gathering.  It was the best.

And even though we moved to Tennessee when I was in the fifth grade, I've always loved every opportunity for a family reunion.  Several times a year, we'd either host some relatives for a long weekend or we'd be in Michigan crashing at an auntie's house for some gathering or another.  In fact, even before we were married, my cousins adopted Justin as one of our own.  And Justin, who didn't have the same opportunities to be as close to his own family, has loved becoming a part of our crazy clan.

Sadly, it's harder to make it to family events now that we have kids and jobs, but I'm grateful for every occasion that warrants a big get together.  And I'm also especially thankful for social media to help us keep in touch with each other's lives.

Last October, my family had one such big celebration that brought together relatives from coast to coast - the wedding of one of my cousins in Indiana.  It was so much fun seeing everyone again, and my kids loved being spoiled by the lolas and lolos, aunties and uncles, and other cousins.

Most of my first cousins

Cousins' children

Cousins and our families

Then, in December, one of my cousins passed away after a yearlong battle with cancer.  Many of us gathered again to say our goodbyes to one of the most honorable men around.  And since Cliff was in the military, he had his burial at Arlington Cemetery a few months later - this past February - so we all reconvened to say one last goodbye to Cliff, as well as to remember his brother Patrick who had passed away the year before.  While it was a sad occasion that brought us together, I relished the time spent with my loved ones.

Somber family gathering

Arlington National Cemetery Burial

Maggiano's surprisingly had room for all of us at the last minute!

Catching up with the cousins

The next generation

Showing my cousins my former city

With the juxtaposition of the joyous gathering of Stephanie's wedding followed almost immediately by the somber passing of Cliff,  I was reminded of just how special, important, and amazing my family is.  And  also how blessed I am to have so many people in my life who support and love me.

Sometimes I wish that Lissie and Xavier could experience what I had in childhood - a constant influx of family everywhere.  But I am glad that they have had several opportunities already to get to know their cousins and aunties and uncles, with at least one more gathering coming up at the end of the summer.  In the meantime, I am cherishing the fact that my kids have such a close relationship with my mom and dad.  These kids definitely have an abundance of love on their side - they don't know just how good they have it!