A few weeks ago, I lost one of my dear cousins. He was taken from us way too soon & way too young. He is with our Lord & Savior, dining on everything that is pure, holy & scrumptious in heaven. I know that our beloved Grandma & his Dad (my uncle) were at the pearly gates waiting for him. Without a doubt they scooped him up & have never let him go. I know they have shown him all around the streets of gold & took him to his mansion over the hilltop. He is with the King of Kings and is in a much better place than we are here. I hesitated in writing anything about our family’s loss, because I know people don’t really want to hear about death. I truly understand. But it is *THIS* week, the week of Thanksgiving that memories of our childhood run really high. I’ve always measured this week by my memories of love, cherished family & cousins growing up together. Nothing can compare to growing up with my family & my cousins. There will never be anything like those memories.
But in all honesty, I think my cousin John loved holidays more than me. Simply because of family. He was a simple guy with the biggest heart for his family.
Before my Grandma passed away years ago, she & my mom would take turns having Thanksgiving. Every year, without a doubt my cousin & I would fight over the olives, be sent to the store to pick up something that was forgotten, and fight over the lumpy mashed potatoes. Side by side we would sit around a gorgeous Thanksgiving table & fuss over who had more on their plate.
I can go there in my mind like it was yesterday. I can remember them all. All of them sitting by my cousin John at the table. All of them side by side making childhood memories that are priceless to me now.
back row: me & cousin John
front row: my sister Jeanette, cousin David & my cousin Maegan
Years later, he was the first one outside of my parents who called me when I was pregnant with my oldest & then the twins to congratulate us. And even though we lived across the country, his text or phone calls would be the first on every holiday or special occassion. He simply loved his family. I know he followed this blog, and it always thrilled me if I got a text or a FB comment about something I posted. Because I knew he was here. He was just like that.
This picture below, is the last one I have of us together. It was the last time I saw him in California before my oldest was born.
my sister Jeanette, me, cousin Maegan & John *taken with a disposable camera*
I wanted to write this post for many reasons. But mainly, I wanted my cousin John on my blog, on the week of Thanksgiving. It’s our week. The week of great memories.
I also wanted to write this, to remind all of you, that you never know when someone will be taken suddenly. Love on each & everyone during the holidays, eat lumpy mashed potatoes, take pictures of everyone, eat olives & fight over the pumpkin pie. Hold everyone tight & inhale all the memories you possibly can. You never know what tomorrow will hold. Because when it all comes down to what matters & what we’re thankful for, it’s our eternal security, family, friends & the memories we make that matter most.
Until we meet again, sweet John…save a seat for me, right next to you.
Hello! I’m so glad you’re here & reading my posts! I’ve started truncating my posts, so please click over to read the rest of the story!
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
So sorry for the loss of your cousin. Beautifully written, sweet friend! THANK YOU for sharing. xoxo
Sweet words, right from the heart. So sorry for your loss…cherish your sweet memories.
So sorry Kellie for your loss 🙁 What a beautiful post & tribute to your cousin! Thank you for sharing 🙂
So very touching. Thank you for the reminder of what is truly important.
I am so sorry for your loss. And thank you for the great reminder to love on those around us.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful family memories. It is a loving tribute to your cousin John. May you be blessed this week with Peace and Love as you share this first holiday without him. When you feel that little ruffle or breeze in your hair you’ll know that he is with you.
I am so sorry for your family’s sudden loss. May your memories get you through this difficult and dark time. Your post is a loving tribute and reminder for all.
What a beautiful post!! May your family rejoice that He is having the grandest Thanksgiving of all!!
What a sweet, sweet post and a loving way to remember your cousin. So sorry for your loss Kellie. oxoxo
I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like such an incredible person. What a beautiful tribute to him. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing a part of your personal life with us. It was such a touching tribute and reminder to us all. May you and all of your family remember him in such a beautiful way this Thanksgiving Day!
such a great reminder to always cherish those moments with loved ones and to actually make it a priority to let them know you care. I am so sorry for your loss and loved your memories about the olives.
Love ya Kellie
It is so easy to forget that we ARE blessed with these special times in our lives. We are so busy with preparations and perfection that we forget to ENJOY the moment. Thank you for reminding us to be GRATEFUL for these special times together!
So sorry for your loss…..be sure to set a place for your cousin at your table….he is closer then you think!
Hugs
I’m glad you shared. I for one don’t want to just hear about the good stuff. I am glad to know what your family is going through.
Those old family pictures are so wonderful. It makes me want to dig through mine and flash back to those days when life was simple and cousins were the best holiday buddies.
Happy Thanksgiving to your whole family. Send them all our love. Lisa~