Sunday, January 25, 2009

30 Years Later

When I was 8, we moved to Long Island. They were living in the house across the street. Our moms & dads were very good friends - not just family. We used to just walk into each others' homes - no knocking or ringing doorbells for us. At some point our moms had a falling out, but we never stopped talking. I guess kids just know better when it comes to certain things.
When I was 16, we moved to Florida. After a while, we lost touch with each other. Now it is 30 years later, & we're back in touch with each other. I love FaceBook!
As you know, my name is Tammie, & I am a FaceBook addict. Well, over the last few months I've been searching for family & old friends. After not having contact for 30 years, I found my cousins Alan & Joni. I can't tell you how happy this makes me. Alan & I used to tease each other mercilessly as kids but always had a connection.
I'm older by a few months. The year we turned 13, we knew we would be required to fast on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). The holiday came, & I was already 13 so I was fasting. Alan's birthday is in December so he wasn't 13 yet thereby not fasting. I can remember him walking into my house carrying a plate of cherry pie, eating it & making "yum" noises. Then he looked at me & said "Gee. I guess you can't have any." He was lucky I didn't throw something at him! Of course, when I got sick, he was right there with me too. It was a great relationship.
His sister Joni is older than me by a year but I always looked up to her. At 15, she really didn't want anything to do with a younger cousin but she always made time for me. She introduced me to Chicago, Elton John, poetry along with lots of other things.
Unfortunately, Joni had a very early flight home this morning so we didn't get to meet up. Alan & I met up at a local restaurant. It really felt as if no time had passed even though we are now 45 & both have children. He looks just like his dad with his mom's coloring. And, of course, he told me that I looked just like my mom.
I can't wait for us to get together again. Next time we're going to one of our homes & bringing old family pictures to browse.

4 comments:

Gretchen said...

Isn't FB fun?!? Just last week, I found my high school BFF and my most favorite high school teacher. Fun times!

Vivian M said...

We were contacted on FB by hubby's dead godmother. FB has been an eye opener!
I am so glad you got to reunite with your cousin after all these years, and I hope you have many more get togethers catching up!

Super Mommy said...

How neat! I love reunions. Ya'll sound like you had a special relationship growing up!

I'm on the FB train, but riding slow right now ;0)

Lesa said...

How wonderful! I really need to get reconnected to FB. Barely have time for the blog let along FB too. ha

Glad you found family!!