The Southern definition of cousin is, “we are just like brothers and sisters.” At least this has always stood true in my family. I was blessed to have grandmothers who remained the matron of the family for the first 30+ years of my life. They were the center of attention and on Sundays, holidays, birthdays, and more, my cousins and I were all gathered around Granny or MawMaw. In my elementary and high school days, I had four cousins with me through the tenth grade. Tim, older than me by seven months, died in a motorcycle accident just shy of his sixteenth birthday. Our whole family was devastated, as any would be. The closeness instilled by our grandmother proved to be a resource of healing for each of us.
As an adult my cousins and I have remained close. A good friend once told me, “you’re family is all up in each other’s business.” So, true. We are. When something happens, I call my cousins first. I know they will be beside me no matter what.
In the summers we’d gather at Granny Cochran’s porch after a morning in the garden. We were pea-picking, corn-shucking, bean-breaking buddies all day. The garden was a central part of Granny’s life and if you were around, well, she had work for you to do. We wouldn’t have had it any other way.
On Sundays my family would gather at MawMaw’s house and I’d have the opportunity to see all my cousins on my dad’s side of the family. Food was a central part of our family gatherings and still is today. An abundance of food was always available. We ate, talked, and ate more. All the while, building bonds that could never be broken by life’s uncertain ways.
Cousins understand each other more than anyone else. They can tell when something is wrong, right, or headed in a bad direction. My cousins love without judgment. Southerners are often portrayed negatively in the press, especially during heated political times, but there are so many attributes of a Southerner that go unrecognized. Our commitment to family is unmatched. Our ability to build life long relationships with our very first best friends, our cousins, shows that we are all about love.
Thank you and much love to all my cousins. I am grateful to be walking this journey alongside you.
