Missing My Cousin

I was talking to my cousin yesterday. While we were chatting, I can't help myself from crying. I miss my cousin so much. It has been a long time, very long time, since our last talk. I have not seen her for almost five years now. The last time we were together was when they went back to the Philippines for a vacation. My cousin is now living in Denver, Colorado. She and her family has been living there for almost 15 years now. We only see each other when they come over for a vacation. And sometimes, we don't have time to talk about stuff that really matters because she's busy with other things. There are a number of things that she had to do while she's in the Philippines; and that's how most balik-bayans are, when they are back in the Philippines for a short period of time.

We had a serious talk yesterday. Sorry I can't share the details, its too personal. Maybe that's why I cried while we were talking. And it made me miss her more. We grew up together. And when we were still kids, we always stay in my Grandmother's house and play all day. She was my favorite cousin; and she is still is my favorite cousin. She's like a sister to me; the sister that I never had (I have two older brothers. Yes, I am the only daughter). I think I was still in college when she left for the States. She is a nurse. But now I think she's already a director and a clinical instructor. I'm happy for my cousin; she's able to achieve all her goals. She always wanted to be a nurse, to work abroad and to live in the US. And that's what she's doing now. I am proud of her.

These photos were taken about four years ago. The last time they were here in the Philippines for a vacation. The little girl is Kristel, my cousin's second child; and the only rose among the torns. The big boy is my cousin's first born, Jude.

Our chat yesterday made me feel a lot better. Her words were very caring; she speaks of the truth. I have actually heard the words that she was saying to me yesterday. My friends have actually told me the same words she said. But when I heard it from my cousin, the words made more sense to me. It touched my heart; the touch is warmer than the others. I felt it more.

Now I am trying to keep her words in my mind and in my heart; and I am sure that I am going to be alright.