Thankful

November 23 2023 Day 23

My nephew was as old as my daughter is today when my daughter was born.

As we relaxed at my sister’s house after a tough ride to get here for the holidays, I watched Little Bean interact with him and with his brother and felt a bit overwhelmed by it all.

He’s applying for colleges, some of them far from home. He’s patient with my daughter, as he has always been. He treats her with extraordinary kindness.

I blame most of this, of course, on my sister’s excellent parenting, but there’s something about how much Little Bean adores them that feel innate.

I had two cousins growing up that were twice my age, and remember my time with them as being some of the best of my childhood. They took me railroad spike hunting, for a ten year old boy, I couldn’t imagine a more incredible adventure. Like my nephews treat my daughter, so to did my two cousins treat me. I was lucky. She’s been lucky.

Today is Thanksgiving, and today amid the madness of green bean casserole and mashed potatoes, I’ll try to remember past cousins and current ones. And be grateful, for them and for all of you.

Thank you!