Cousins Make the Best Friends :: National Cousins Day

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When most people think of July holidays, Independence Day naturally comes to mind, but there’s a lesser-known holiday that is very important to our family: July 24 is National Cousins Day.

As I’m writing this post, I’m listening to my five-year-old son squeal with delight as he feeds catfish with his three older cousins. Being an only child, our little bit cannot get enough of his cousins when we visit their shared grandparent’s house. They are his weekend/holiday/vacation siblings, but because they don’t have to live with each other all the time, they get on each other’s nerves less often than siblings tend to do. These are magical moments that will no doubt turn into fond memories that they talk about in years to come.

I know because as an only child myself, some of my favorite childhood memories are times I spent with my own cousins. As a kid, they were the live-in playmates I didn’t have but requested to live with if something happened to my parents.

As a teenager, they were my confidants, always there to give advice that the big brother or sister I always wanted presumably would have given.

As a young, newly independent adult, they were the ones whose houses I crashed at, who I went to concerts with, and who helped me out when I didn’t want to call my parents.

As a 40-something adult, they are the ones who help keep my dad’s memory alive, who share my memories of holidays at our gram’s house, and who would raise my child as their own should anything happen to me.

And apparently, this bond I feel with my cousins is not unique. I grew up hearing how my mom spent more time with her cousins than her brother while on vacation. My husband tells similar stories of summers spent on the lake with his cousins. And my mother-in-law is so close to one of her cousins, they might as well be sisters.

Cousins may start out as playmates, but often they turn into the best of friends. They are also, as an unknown soul said so wisely, “a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.” 

To all the cousins who made childhood more fun, happy National Cousins Day!

Do you share a special bond with your cousins? How have they enriched your life?

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Cheryl Glantz Nail
The new mom of a baby boy, Cheryl Glantz Nail started her blogging and freelance writing career in 2008. She has written articles for several blogs and websites, including 24/Savvy and InterfaithFamily.com. Shortly after moving to Columbia, she turned her love of content writing and social media into a career in communications, currently serving as the Community Relations Director for a local non-profit. Prior to this career change, she enjoyed 10 years in education, both in the classroom and as a curriculum developer. When she isn't in front of her computer or wiping up baby drool, Cheryl can be found curled up with a young adult novel and a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream, looking at cats on Instagram, or attempting to be artsy. She blogs at Take a Second Glantz (www.secondglantz.com/blog), trolls Pinterest for recipes she'll probably never cook, and sleep tweets during late-night feedings.

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