Reen.

I think I’m going to start each of these cousin posts with a memory that comes to mind when I think of them. I’m not going to say that it’s a favorite memory or anything, just a nice one that pops in my head.

A few years ago, I’d say about four, I was sitting in the basement of my Aunt Susan’s house on Thanksgiving. It was your typical Lonergan Thanksgiving day: Kevin and Thomas were fighting while the twins watched and laughed; Matthew and Joseph were playing video games pretending to supervise; Jackie was chatting with the boys. And I was sitting on the couch with Reen watching it all happen. I often do this at family events, and only a few people ever stop me and ask me what on earth I'm doing.

I just sit back and look at everything and everyone around me. I force a sort of out-of-body experience so that I can never forget that moment. And I haven't. I remember every time I've done this. It's to help me remember what I have and how lucky I am to have it all. I looked over at Reen and I smiled. I look a picture of us right then and there, and now I keep it in my wallet:

There is something very special about the girl (read: young woman) I am about to tell you all about. She is the youngest of four, with three lovely (not bullying at all) older brothers. She's named after our late grandmother, Moe, and has recently taken that nickname as her own. She's super athletic and a star softball player. She's the most freckly person I've ever met and will one day, hopefully, embrace her spots. She's way smarter than I was at her age and I can already see her outwitting me (don't tell her I said that...).

I can't tell you when I started calling her "Reen", but it has definitely stuck. I like to think of it as something special I have with her. Even though it might not be, I consider it unique to us.

Some people have asked if we are sisters when they see us together. This has always made me laugh because people don't even ask if my sister and I are sisters (seeing as how we don't look anything alike). I think it's an honor. She's the little sister I never had and (maybe) always wanted.

As you can all, clearly, see: she's growing into a beautiful woman. And even though that frightens me, it is also so very exciting! She's turning sixteen in two and a half weeks, and will soon be driving around (gah!). She's growing into something quite extraordinary. She's intelligent, beautiful, spunky, and (I think) the perfect cousin to be named after Moe.

When I was in Meteora, Greece, I found two bracelets which had a marker for protection against the evil eye. I bought one for me, and one for Reen. Everyday when I put mine on, not only do I get to think of my amazing adventure in Greece, but I get to say a quick prayer for this girl. The girl that has always been my baby cousin--the girl that I am lucky enough to now call a friend.

I love you, Maureen: now and always. ♥

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