Kindred connections: The timeless bond of cousins for Anne and me

Kindred connections: The timeless bond of cousins for Anne and me

Cousins hold a truly unique place in our hearts – often the first friends we have in life, they bridge family ties and share in our joys and burdens with a special understanding born of shared history. In times of hardship, like the cancer ordeal that my wife Anne is bravely facing, the love and encouragement from cousins can be an immense source of comfort. They’re the ones who reach out, offering support and warmth when we need it most, reminding us that we are deeply rooted in a caring family. For many, cousins represent both continuity and resilience; their presence reminds us we are not alone as we navigate life’s challenges. Personally, my own cousins have been a constant source of laughter, advice, and belonging – people who know me deeply, if only from afar, and celebrate every milestone and mourn every setback alongside me. Their steadfast support is a testament to the enduring importance of family connections, making cousins so special to so many of us.

Do you have cousins who’ve made a lasting impact on your life or hold a special place in your heart? Any kissing cousins? I’d love to hear your stories! Share what makes your cousin(s) truly remarkable, and in return, I’ll be featuring some of Anne’s incredible cousin tales along with my own personal experiences. Let’s celebrate the wonderful connections that make family so meaningful – your contribution could inspire others!

My first-cousin Sharon in Florida

Tarpon Springs, Florida 1959…and 65 years later

For more images, please click here:

https://robertmcbrydeauthor.com/tarpon-springs-f…d-65-years-later/ ‎

When I was seven years old, our family made a trip from Georgetown, Ontario to Tarpon Springs, Florida, on the train. (My father worked for the CN railway, so we had a family pass.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarpon_Springs,_Florida

We made this odyssey to visit our mom’s favourite brother, Uncle Walter, in April 1959.

My cousin Sharon, shown in the accompanying vintage photo, was a bit older than I was.

She was so sweet and considerate. Unlike the boys in Georgetown, she didn’t call me “Fat, fat, water rat; 50 bullets in your hat.”

I will always remember her as a sweet, considerate, kindly first cousin. I had a childhood crush on Sharon.

I gave her a bouquet of wildflowers. You can just barely glimpse them in the photo above.

We had to empty out our shoes each morning of our stay due to the invasive bugs and vermin that crept into their abode from what we perceived as the adjacent jungle, especially black widows and tarantulas.

https://sciencing.com/florida-tarantulas-other-spiders-10041059.html

My father mercilessly teased my mother about her great love for her brother, Sharon’s dad, Uncle Walter. Every time mom uttered his name, my dad would sing, “Walter, Walter, lead me to the alter.” I soon learned to join in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AevoH8_5bk

Walter took my father fishing on a boat in a bayou. I witnessed my dad step on the sharp fin of a catfish and then leap about as if electrocuted, the gilled beastie flopping wildly as it adhered to the bottom of his gored, pierced foot.

Our visit to Florida was fraught with all the perils that bedevil dislocated city- slicker visitors, but was also infused with the soothing rays of rare, pure love.

Sharon has become a great grandmother. The baby’s name is Elijah. Would that he become a prophet and a miracle worker, like his namesake. And turn out to be as kind as his great grandmother’s inner child.