cousins, cousins, cousins

As the oldest cousin of the Schwartz family clan, I remember the day Kara was born. It was a momentous occasion in our family. You see first there were three girl cousins,Donna, Mary Ellen, and Ellen, and then there were many, many years of boys cousins,Mark,Thomas, Adam, Matt, Kevin, Chris, Jason, Jonathon and Justin(I’m not sure of the exact order.)Finally a girl had been born – Kara! After Kara came Jennifer and Emily. I remember Kara as a toddler. She had so much energy. I would leave family get togethers thinking Aunt Jean sure has her hands full. Kara had no trouble keeping up with her older brothers. I remember that Kara always had a special relationship with Fr. Jim. I was reminded of this last Christmas Day when Fr. Jim handed out his Christmas envelopes and Kara was the one that went over and softly kissed him on the cheek and whispered thank you in his ear. I remember Uncle Bob used to arrange a cousins’ weekend at Cazenovia or Conesus Lake. I knew these get togethers had a special name, but I couldn’t recall what it was. I recently asked Jennifer if she remembered the name. She said that it was called “cousins, cousins, cousins” always in triplicate and it was Kara that coined the phrase. These are the times I spent with Kara snow skiing, car racing, and playing skat. I remember Kara on her brothers’ shoulders on top of a waterski pyramid. It was an awesome sight! My most recent memory of Kara was last Christmas Day. Jonathon and I sat on the couch at Aunt Anne’s and asked her questions about her work in South Africa and New York City. I think Jonathon and I were both impressed with this beautiful young woman who was doing so much with her life. Today was Thanksgiving at Nunda Blvd. and Kara was suppose to be there. We all knew that Kara was suppose to be there with us and it was very sad. Yet, I knew Kara was there with us – everywhere – I felt her presence. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day and I just knew she was there. I know she was there when we sat around the dessert table and Jennifer and Emily told stories about Thanksgiving dinner in Uncle John’s garage. I know she was remembering and laughing with us. I feel very blessed to be part of the Schwartz family clan and I feel blessed to have Kara as a cousin. Kara you will always be in my heart — Love, cousin Donna Donna Jennings Donna431@aol.com