A Letter to My Cousin Missy

Missy, I am so proud of the woman you have grown into over the last four years, and could not be more proud to call you my baby cousin. Growing up with you I remember always thinking you were crazy as hell – while simultaneously my best friend. Our relationship evolved from eating fake ice cream cones in the bathtub, to hanging upside-down from my swing set making up stories of bears in the woods, spying on neighbors, and climbing grandma and grandpa’s trees to pick berries. Always supporting each other and sharing a heavy heart in times of loss and pain and continuously having each other’s back and sharing logic of common sense that would bond us when family issues came bearing down brought us closer on a level that was formerly unthinkable. Eventually our relationship developed into a ‘go-to-party-cousin’ status in high school, bringing each other around to our stomping ground to meet boys and party like degenerates – and boy, did we have fun! All the while constantly looking over one another and truly having our best (and safest) interest at heart. Finally, we are at a stage now where those phases of our friendship are left in the past with the dusty roads of Hopkinsburg, and in turn have built the concrete foundation that we currently stand on. You, calling me telling me you met this wonderful man that you think someday you will marry, syphoning tears from me (while simultaneously making me laugh for poking fun at his name). Bringing beautiful Korie into this world, and being an amazing mother and role model to her. Me, calling you first when I find out about any new adventure in my life. You know, I never thought that I would be going to my baby cousin to advice on raising a baby girl, but now that it’s a consistent basis situation, I wouldn’t have it any other way. You are amazing.
You are the exact definition of what ‘family’ should always mean; there for me at the drop of a hat, always ready and willing with honest and helpful advice, and