Family

I picked up my cousin from the train station last night at 10:30, then dropped her off at my aunt's house. The whole event took about an hour, and that's the longest I have ever talked to her before. She's 19, I'm 27. Her family grew up in another state, her mom is my dad's sister and my god mother. We, her mother and I, have never been really close either, in my opinion. I wonder if she ever thought so??
It was nice to talk to my cousin, she has grown up, I've grown up, and I realize the importance in maintaining those relationships. I certainly feel I've dropped the ball on a lot of familial relationships in the past few years, even friendships. Not purposely, of course, it's just that more and more time shoves itself in between visits, phone calls, and, I never thought it possible, emails.
I get to see most of my dad's family tomorrow at our Xmas gathering. It will be fun. Lots of people, noise, and food. I need them right now.