My first cousin Lee is exactly six days older than I am. At the time of our births, our parents lived half a block from each other, and our fathers, who were brothers, were also best friends. Lee and I played together from the time we were able to toddle and were about as polar-opposite in looks as we could be. Lee was blond and lanky, I was brunette and stocky. Once my family moved to another house, we lived a whole five blocks away. We also attended the same schools and even went to the University of Texas together (me only for one year, however, before I transferred to another school.) After we grew up, we lived across the state from each other but still stayed in touch. Lee was best friends with my brothers George and Sam so there has always been a connection. As we’ve grown older, we have stayed in much closer touch. We have even traveled to Italy together on a group trip and will go to Sicily together with our spouses on another group trip in October. In other words, Lee has been around for my entire life.

I am grateful to have someone in my life who has known me literally since my birth. Lee and I have many shared experiences from growing up and can spend entire evenings discussing this or that event that occurred in our hometown. Lee’s memory is sharper than mine so he’s my go-to person when I have a question about what exactly happened on any given day so many years ago.

Having lost three of my four brothers far too soon, Lee has also been a touchstone person for me. He is one of the only people I know who shares many of my same memories and knows the same people I know. I have appreciated having Lee there as one of my life’s connecting points.

As we edge one year deeper into this new decade, I’m more aware than ever of the importance of friends and family. I’m happy to say that Lee occupies a position in both of those categories.

Happy Birthday, Cousin. I’m grateful to have. you in my life and wish you a happy, healthy, and peaceful upcoming year. Here’s to Sicily in October! I’m glad to know we’ll have that time together.

Here is a photo of Lee, his wife, Elaine, and me a few years back: