My Cousin Amanda

So when I was a little girl, I had this favorite cousin named Amanda. Her family lived far away from my family (Amanda was born in Colombia and isn't that so exotic?), so I didn't really get to see her all that often when we were really little. So you can imagine that I was quite excited when they would come to town. That would stay with Grandma and Grandpa Fish next door, which was alright by me. That way I could play with her every day.

You can then imagine that I was especially happy when her parents moved here for good, and then we could see each other more often.

And here is the thing about Amanda. We didn't necessarily hang out in the same groups in high school, but we really were friends. That is what I like about Amanda most. She's smart and cute and fun to be around. But still it is my favorite that we are friends.

Today we went to lunch together and we talked for over two hours. Isn't that so nice to be able to sit down with a family member, someone who has known you almost your entire life, and talk like that? Sometimes you love family members but you really aren't friends...mostly because you have nothing in common. Just because you are family members doesn't mean you have to be best friends. But I'm very very glad that Amanda is a very good friend and my cousin. She's someone I trust and love and appreciate.

I really feel grateful that she and I were born so close together and that we can be friend, and I really don't think that is a coincidence. I think that is more like a tender mercy. It is one more thing for me to feel grateful for.