11 years

The years just keep flying by. As I get older there are some memories that become hazy, and there are others that remain crystal clear. The day you left us is one of those clear memories.

For the last few days I have had Lili and Felix here with us. As much I love to have them here, Phi and Louie love it more. When I was growing up I got to be with my cousins all the time and I thought that was what kept us close. But then we grew up and moved away from each other. We don't see each other very often. And Phi, Louie, Lili and Felix don't get to see each other too often, but that doesn't seem to matter. When they are together they laugh and play and talk and genuinely love being around each other.

It's the same with my cousins now. Even though  I don't see them often, I think about my cousins everyday. I find myself every morning as I am driving to work wondering what you are all doing. I wonder if Cassie is up with Benji, I wonder if Erika is just coming home from work, I wonder if Eric is driving to work too. I wonder if Monique has school that day. If Patty is kissing the boys good-bye as they head out for school. I wonder if Mikey has already taught a spin class. I wonder if Leo is out driving a truck, or if Emilo let Manual get enough sleep. And I always wonder what you are doing. I wonder what you think about how we are all doing. If you wake up and check on each and everyone of us.

I don't get to see everyone every weekend like I did when I was a kid, but we stay connected and when we do see each other we pick up where we left off. I pray that when we meet again, we get to pick up right where we left off. Even with all the years between visits.

I love you and I miss you.