Long Lost (But Not Forgotten) Cousins

It has been a whirlwind of events and an emotional roller coaster for me over the past several weeks.

About a week or so before I left for Arizona, I got an email from my cousin, Chris, who I have not seen, nor heard from since 1996 when we were in college.

The irony here is that I blogged about this briefly for a Smile for the Camera post, Let Bygones Be Bygones.  Basically, there is some sort of tiff between my mom and her brother.  I remained close with two of my cousins (Craig and Chris) up until I went to college.  I've had no contact with them since, until now.

Back in November, I sent a letter to my uncle asking for help with our family tree.  I know he had been working on it on and off for many years and was hoping to reconnect with him through this common tie.  Moreover, I hoped to reconnect with the whole family.  I still have not heard from him.

My mom, knowing that I sent the letter, thought she'd try by sending my aunt and uncle a Christmas card (note, mom had been sending them for years and gave up since he would not respond, so this was the first in several years).  I guess my aunt mentioned to Chris that mom sent the card.  Chris then proceeded to Google me (yes, I've been Googled!), and found my blog.

I had been on the phone with my mom for awhile and after we got off, I checked my email.  I saw the name, and fell over.  I read the email and called mom back and told her the news.  We were both very excited to have heard from Chris.

We've both been emailing with Chris ever since, sharing stories and photos.  Chris even made a DVD of his junior high graduation and sent it to mom (see Reminiscing With Mom for more details).  I'm in the process of putting together a CD for him with all the photos I have as well as our genealogy.

After I returned from Arizona, I found another email in my inbox.  This time it was Craig.  I haven't hear back from him yet, but I hope to soon.

I guess sometimes you gotta stir the pot to make things happen.  I am very thankful to have reconnected with Chris and Craig, as we were all very close as kids.  We have many memories and I hope that we will make some more.