There were 13 First Cousins on my Mother's side. We saw each other often, always gathering at Grandma's house. We each grew into the role of dishwasher as there was no such thing as eating off paper plates in Grandma's house. As good Italian Catholics, we celebrated every Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, and Wedding together. Our first cousin died in Vietnam - we were all there. Grandma died in 1973 - we were all there. We tried like hell to keep many of the traditions alive. We continued to gather for each other's weddings - and after we were all married, we found other reasons to come together - "family reunions".
Then there was Aunt Jean's funeral - people flew in from all over to say good-bye to her. After Grandma died, she was our Matriarch.
Our gatherings happened less often as time went on. The distance between us grew in miles, but never in feelings, after all, "family is family!" One of us is in California, one is in Illinois. Two are in Florida, two on Long Island. The rest live in various parts of New Jersey.
We had a reason to come together this past weekend. One of the original 13 had invited us to share in his daughter's wedding celebration. Only 6 of us made it. Some live too far, some had other plans... There was a time that nothing could keep us apart... I am glad I made the effort to be there.
Perhaps it is time to name a new Matriarch...
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