Luv Ya Cuz!!

18 October 2012 - I was out to lunch with my best friend Janice, when my phone dinged with a facebook message!

"if I can help I will do so"

Oh wow! This was from one of the inboxes I sent nearly 10 months ago..I had all but given up on getting a response from there. His name was Chris and after explaining my situation he was keen to help. He thinks my grandmother (my mothers, mother) may have been related to his great grandfather, but he would have to talk to his dad to confirm it.

I cant explain how good it felt to chat to someone that is quite possibly blood related and seems happy to talk and willing to help. A rough calculation makes us possible cousins to some degree.

We talked about family..kids..where we lived..where we worked. I was on such a buzz to be in contact with a cousin. Over the next few days we messaged each other regularly, bit by bit discovering new family information. 

Soon we skyped too. Chatting was natural between us, and before we knew it a couple hours had passed; it really was just like we were old long time mates.

After a few weeks of contact, Chris said something to me that really choked me up. It meant such a lot to me, probably more then he realises even today, and I'll always remember it. Saying goodnight one night, he said.... "luv ya cuz". 

To be accepted..to be welcomed...to be loved by a blood family member was all I had ever wanted for so long and finally I had it.

He had to go interstate for work, but we made plans to meet in person. After his work season finished he said he would drop in here for a day or 2 on his way back to Queensland. 


Early January 2013 - Finally the day arrived. It was going to be a long 8 hour or so drive for him (which ended up being about 10 hours because someone told him a shorter way to go but forgot to mention it was a bad road lol). I was like a kid on Christmas morning..so excited! Eventually he arrived about 10pm, tired and hanging for a beer! We hugged and sat up for a couple hours chatting. 

This was my cousin, he is part of my family, and he is here with me.

The Evans Head River

The next day me and James took him to Evans Head fishing. To say he is a keen fisherman would be an understatement. He even bought James a new rod and reel. Between us we caught a couple of bream and got given a flathead (I still say I caught the most lol) which we BBQ'ed up that night.

James & Chris

  

                 Me with my catch 

Again we sat up chatting and although we were still yet to 100% confirm our family connection we were both 99.9% sure we were in fact 3rd cousins. We agreed that no matter what we would always be mates regardless and both are welcome anytime to the others house.


Sadly we had to say our goodbyes the next morning. I was surprised how much it affected me, but we made a pact that we will stay in touch and we will meet up again. 

I know to him I am one of many cousins and family he has, but to me he is my ONLY one so far and I don't ever want to lose that.

I LUV YA CUZ!! <3