cousin jim

The other great thing that happened last weekend when I went to Utah was that I got to spend time with Jim.

There's something great about having a close cousin - it's kind of like a sibling, but without all the rivalry. Maybe because we are the oldest of the grandkids or the fact that we were around when all the rest were just babies. We've got dirt on each other as far back as almost 40 years....that's what I'm talking about.

It was always a much anticipated visit to/from the Wests, and that was long before the twins and Michael. Back when it was just Jim and Tom, me, Debbie, Brad and Sandi. Back when we could all crush into the back seat of Aunt Linda's VW Bug. We've floated canals together, hiked all kinds of trails, shared birthday parties, pinatas (is there still the infamous film?), Easter egg hunts, picnics, frog ponds, baseball games, snowball fights, Thanksgiving dinners, fishing trips, weddings, funerals, births, middle-of-the-night phone calls, writing, emails, thoughts, fears, prayers, triumphs.

More than once last weekend, I was cared for through Jim's perceptive awareness - he took me to get coffee twice, driving around until we found a place the first time. Without stress or drama, he moved us all through a busy evening of nickle arcade, pizza, burgers, movies, and another round of cake at Grandma's. I watched him prepare breakfast for everyone Sunday morning.

I have so much love and gratitude for Jim. He is a man of depth and generosity. He has given me nothing but unfailing love and support.

Thanks, cousin. I carry you in my heart.

Sherri