Saturday, February 4, 2012

Family Love

"All the pictures and crazy times. Sisters at heart and partners in crime."


Its been quite a while since the last time my dearest cousin J and I spent quality time together. One of things I truly yearn for the most is spending that one on one time with her, just doing the things we love to do whether that was to window shop, eat out, cruise around, hop in the pool to sunbathe, or just chat and catch up about our daily lives over a cocktail. Sometimes you just need that, but of course it depended on whether time permitted us to do so. At times it felt like a struggle to hang out, but any little time I had with her no matter what, I truly appreciated.  I did as much as to welcome her friends along if that's what it took to spend that time with her. As long as those friends were good to her, I opened my door to welcome them in. I've seen J hurt numerous times in the past, but I know her well enough to know that these days, her door is only open to those who would not do harm to her and her family or knock her down to feel negative whatsoever. There were times when I couldn't help but feel a bit protective like a big sis naturally would and wonder if these friends really had her best interest or not, but I just had to remind myself that J is a grown woman that is smart enough to know and distinguish the good and the bad. She doesn't need me to hold her hand every step of the way, but for her to know that I am there for her to give her a little nudge when she needs me the most is what's important. We've learned that friends come and go, but of course family will always remain as we are there for each other no matter what...

Our crazy rebellious days in the past are long gone and I know J has definitely matured and grown to proceed her own life with caution and value. Mind you, yes she still has youth on her side too as she is still a kid at heart :) We've had our fun adventures together, however as we get older and we spend less time together, we often become tangled within our ownselves as we deal with the pressures of school, work, making that dollar to get by and balancing time within our own group of family and friends. 
"Our family are like the branches of a tree. We may grow in different directions, however our roots will always remain as one. Each of us will always be part of each other no matter what." 
Moving forward, this morning I received quite a surprise as I was welcomed with a package labeled in my name from J. Inside this box was a mirrored metal glass frame containing a picture of both of us together from a past Thanksgiving family gathering that came with a birthday card and handwritten letter. To be honest, I was not expecting this gift, but I found it to be quite endearing. I don't have any family photos of us in my home, so for her to give this to me meant the world. Before even receiving this gift, J had never given up on us and even though we are currently thousands of miles apart, she always continues to do her best to communicate with me someway, somehow. Yes, we've had our share of misunderstandings and a lack of communication here and there, but what I do know is that no matter what, she does make the effort to reach out on her end. It may take a little time, but whatever the circumstances may be, she has a heart that loves infinitely. To me, it's the little things that count. Given J's letter, I was humbled and reminded that we aren't all perfect. We all make mistakes and have our reasons for making the decisions we do day to day. Simply put, reading her letter definitely gave me a better perspective and understanding of her as there were no grey areas.  

One thing for a fact is that I do not hold anything against her for any issues we have had in the past. It may have been difficult to forget, but I have moved forward and forgiven. I only hope that as we move along, we continue to embrace our relationship and communicate with one another so that we can have a better understanding of each other...Whenever times of sadness arises, I remind myself that our family are like the branches of a tree. We may grow in different directions, however our roots will always remain as one. Each of us will always be part of each other no matter what.  

After each passing year and spending less time with one another, it's a fact that absence makes the heart grow fonder for those we love and care about the most. I truly cherish the simplicity of J's genuine heart and even though we hardly see each other much, my dearest cousin is always a text or phone call away. J truly has a heart and soul that is deeply rooted within our family that speaks of truth and never gives up on what she believes and for that I respect her tremendously. If you are reading this cous, I thank you for never giving up and for always putting forth your sincerest heart and words of encouragement. With that said, I love you and will always appreciate your special gift from the heart!!!




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2 comments

  1. It's so nice to read bogs like yours that not only talks about fashion, but also reminds us our so loved family and friends, good food, quotes to inspire...
    You and your cousin have a wonderful smile! It seems you too are also great friends!!

    Love this blog!

    Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aww, I really appreciate your comment <3 Thanks so much for that and for taking the time to read through my blog! Means the world! :)

    Thank you!!! XoXo

    ReplyDelete

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