God only knows...

I have this cousin. Ok, I have a LOT of cousins. But today I am going to talk about one in particular that has, like many of my others, touched my family in a way that is indescribable.

She has helped me talk things out in my life when I needed it most. She has listened when I needed someone to just listen, and conversed when I needed conversation. She has shared in the value of chocolate and a cup of coffee. She is not only family, she is my friend.

Growing up, we spent a lot of time at their house. We got in to a little trouble on a three wheeler. We made mud pies. We went across the road to her Grams' house to eat strawberries and raspberries out of the garden, and also got into a little trouble when we didn't eat a whole lot of supper because we had eaten too many berries.

As adults, she has come to my house numerous times and just hung out. She was the one I called to come sit Zack and Addison when I went into labor with Jenna, and brought them to the hospital once she was (FINALLY!!!) born. (Yes, her twin helped tremendously too). Then....

She moved. I am so happy for her that she is making this great change in her life. And doing so well. Proud doesn't even scratch the surface of how I feel for her. But I miss her. A lot. And, this morning, I came to realize just how much I wasn't alone when the following conversation happened in my van when the song "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys came on:

Jenna (singing in the back seat): Mommy, I love this song!

Mommy (also singing): I love it too, Moo.

Jenna: Mommy, when is Stacey coming to see us again?

Mommy (choked up): In a few weeks, Moo.

Jenna: Mommy, will you tell her I love her?

Mommy: Yes, I will tell her when I talk to her again. Or, maybe YOU can tell her!!

Jenna: I will just hug her when she is here, ok?

Mommy: That sounds like a great plan to me, Moo.


I, too, love my Stacey. And, I thank her for being not only my cousin, but one of my very best friends.