Sometimes one just has to wonder how we ever survived in without the astonishing abilities of the worldwide web and associated informational platforms.
Just the other day, via a posting on a friend’s Facebook page, I learned that November is a Cousin’s Month. Prior to that I didn’t realize cousins had a month and wondered if my cousins knew but forgot to let me know, or didn’t know.
In my quest for more information, I Googled Cousin’s Month and came up instead with “National Cousins’ Day” that was celebrated on July 24. Once again, this was a celebration that escaped my attention, and obviously my cousins were also unaware, or simply didn’t want to include me in the party.
With further research on the Cousin’s Month declaration, I became aware of the fact that it might be a delightful marketing campaign waged by something called “Positive Energy Quotes” and has absolutely nothing to do with the July 24 event — or in fact any actual party.
But the message attached to this never-before-heard-of-Cousin’s Month made me think happy thoughts about at least some of the cousins in my family closet: The message says: “My cousins are so important to me. I love them and wish them all a happy, healthy, wealthy and joyful month. Big Hugs.”
That’s generic enough to send in a greeting card to cousins without making them wonder why I’m being a bit mushy toward these particular relatives.
One of my cousins would likely call my sister to find out what’s really going on with me before contacting me directly with a special message of her own, or an audio clip on Facebook of an accordionist performing the Bluebell Polka.
I can visualize another cousin turning to his wife and suggesting she’d better phone to find out if I’m sick in hospital again and whether they should visit. If he did visit, he would no doubt remind me of the time he caught me coming out of the men’s bathroom (I misread the notation on the door and backed out quickly only to find him standing at the door laughing at me.) He’s indeed a special cousin.
With the death of the entire clan of aunts and uncles, the connection to many cousins has seemed to diminish and only occasionally do I hear of events in the lives of my “first cousins.” That generation of cousins has produced the next generation and that generation has done the same so at this point I have lost track of the number of “cousins” out there who contain a bit of the same blood line. Imagine the size of the gathering if we were to have a family party. Name tags and family trees would be required.
So, who knows? Maybe this month I will hear from a few cousins or maybe the contact will be delayed and show up in a Christmas card or even an e-mailed greeting with a special message.
I’m always in the market for uplifting thoughts and sometimes come across messages worthy of being shared with friends and family, and with cousins.
For instance there’s this bit of encouragement with which to face a confusing day: “Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown and stay sweet on the inside.” That message comes from Positive Energy Quotes, the wordsmith group responsible for the month devoted to cousins.
And this one: “An aunt’s treasures are her nieces and nephews and she always keep them with her — on her mind, in her prayers and in her heart.” I like that one and just hope those nieces and nephews assume our long-term care with as much devotion.
Another: “Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help and brave enough to ask for it.” That includes asking for directions to the ladies’ room.
Finally: “To the persons reading this: I’m wishing you a lovely week filled with hope, happiness, lots of smiles, delicious food and many moments to be grateful.”
And that includes being grateful for a passel of cousins.
Joyce Walter can be reached at [email protected]
