A Little TLC

I was fourteen when we first met, and she was just a couple of years younger. This cousin of mine who lives across the world from me. It’s amazing what a little TLC will do for a friendship.

The first time we met, we clicked instantly. She was still learning English then, and we both  struggled to communicate with each other. Somehow we managed, laughed a lot, and found we had much in common. I can count on my hands the number of times we’ve seen each other through the years. But despite the obvious hindrances, we’ve managed to stay close.

Even though we live in different countries, in different environments, in different worlds, whenever we’re together, we don’t feel it. We’re just two people. Two adult women who remember meeting when we were kids, and who have nothing but fun, deep conversations, and who adore each other.

We’re adults now, with daughters of our own. I’m happy to say, the first time our girls met, just like us, they clicked immediately. Which makes my cousin and I proud and extremely grateful. Because we want nothing more than to have our rare and beautiful friendship move on to the next generation.

If we lived close to each other, I have no doubt we would be the best of friends. But even though we’re separated by a big blue ocean, somehow, our friendship has managed to grow. Of course, we have technology to thank for that. We’re able to stay in close contact and be part of each others lives. My cousin and her daughter speak almost perfect English, and I have to remind myself it’s their second language. No topic is off limits, and we always pick up immediately where we left off.

It's amazing what a little TLC can do for a relationship.

It’s amazing what a little TLC can do for a relationship.

We just spent four days together. Four fun, wonderful, and special days. We had coffee and croissants, played games and worked on a puzzle. Our daughters laughed and giggled, we went hiking, and shopping. They cooked us a meal, and we were all in the kitchen together having fun. We introduced them to Mexican food,  pumpkin pie, and fabulous North Carolina apples. We ended each day with a hot cup of tea and wonderful conversation.

I don’t know when we’ll see each other again. We have big plans to try to see each other every few years, and I hope life allows this to happen. What I know for sure though, is that people are people, regardless of where they live. Having a friendship with my childhood cousin is something I treasure.

Take care of your friendships and relationships. It’s amazing how they can grow with a little tender loving care.

Find meaning each day,

Dara