Growing up, some of my fondest memories are on my grandparents ranch. The wide open spaces, horses, and spending time with my cousins truly made my childhood one that I wouldn't trade. It was a time filled with wonderful outings, but it seemed we were always together. I've seen the saying that "Cousins are your first friends" and that could not be more true in my family.
On my dads side of the family there is a total of twelve of us. I had the distinct pleasure of being right in the middle, and the youngest of the three boys. For the most part, I never suffered from the "middle cousin syndrome." I spent numerous weeks each year at the ranch, right along side my grandfather. I was usually never overlooked or was treated differently by my other cousins. To be fair, the middle group of us were all within a couple years of age, so there truly wasn't much of an age difference. Like I mentioned we were all just friends.
There was however one cousin, who reminded me whenever it was important that she was older than me, even if it was just a few months. As with most kids growing up, we tested boundaries, and who had the right to tell the other what to do when there weren't any adults around.
As we grew into young adults this constant reminder that she was older became a fun joke.. First as we turned eighteen, then 21 and other milestones down the road. We would laugh and share jokes, and I would always claim it didn't really matter, and she would agree, although she knew it did.
That all changed when we turned thirty. The joke had switched... I was still in my twenties and she was now old and in her thirties. Finally I had the upper hand. To this day, each year, when our birthday's roll around, i get the small enjoyment that she once again is older than I am, even if for just a few months. Yes I am the younger of us two again, Happy Birthday to my dear OLDER cousin, Brenda!! I hope you have an amazing day!!
