Cousins...

I’ve been thinking about family and Cousins I grew up with at different points of my life. Some of us took baths together, got spankings together, lived together, spent summers together, cried together and so much more! Some of us met later in life but felt close the minute we found out we were related! 

"Awww sh*t, You're my COUSIN! Yessss!” 

We've also grown up and developed internal friendships which made being related more special and solid. Adult life means responsibilities but love, whether distant or near, allowed us to grow in different directions while maintaining respect and admiration for each other.

I love my Cousins! Cousins are the ORIGINAL Besties and BFFs! I feel closer to some than my own sister. From my faaaaaavorites to the ones I watch on Facebook or hear about thru random conversations with other family members...Each of you, each of us have this unique unspoken bond that can't be explained but is felt when it's time to come together.

This week I felt this unspoken bond when the news of our Cousin...our wonderful Cousin, Frantz Maisonneuve aka @FrantzMai was taken away from us. The pain I feel now cannot fully be put into words but we all know that losing a loved one is like losing a part of you. It's like a body part you don't think you need...but you do. It’s that voice mail message that comes when you least expect it but needed. It's photos, reunions, batèms, holidays, or random acts of kindness that are extra special when a family member sprinkles their love all over it. Frantz was indeed THAT special and always added the sprinkles!

I can't explain it but anyone who has been around him or had the opportunity to soak up his aura must know what I'm talking about. He was the light in the dark, the sun in the sky and a burst of energy when feeling low.  He was like the Best Friend you didn't know you had and made everyone feel like his Best Friend or better yet...like family. 

I am happy to have known him. I'm lucky to have been in his presence and although I'm saddened by his passing, I'm glad to know my Cousin is with GOD and will not stop being that light, the sun or burst of energy I mentioned above. I believe this to be true and even though closure is far-fetched, he left enough love for me, family, (Cousins,) and friends to feel and cherish for years to come. 

Thank you, Frantz.