I grew up surrounded by a pack of cousins, with my brother, the eldest, at the helm. He was our fearless leader, babysitting a dozen of us at a time, and his creativity knew no bounds. Whether it was inventing games or orchestrating epic role plays, he always kept us entertained and close.
I always dreamed of my daughters having a similar experience, but times have changed. With family scattered across the globe, the close-knit cousin group I hoped for didn’t quite materialise. Even so, some of my cousins remain my closest friends, and I wanted my girls to have that same lifelong connection.
Though my sister’s family only visits Australia once a year, and the time is fleeting, it’s heartwarming to see how our children’s bond remains unshaken. Despite spending just a fortnight together each year, they pick up right where they left off, their friendships as strong and natural as ever. The dynamics between them, the way they interact, and the deep-rooted ties they share are a testament to the enduring power of family.