Part 3:
Erin (Guest of Honor/Speaker)
Erin is my cousin from my mother’s side. My mother is one of five children, blessing my grandparents with 10 grandchildren total. Five girls and five boys. Growing up as an only child I was always anticipating the next time I would get to be with any of my cousins. They were the closest to siblings I ever got!
Having five young girls/cousins all relatively the same age was either a blast- or a real nightmare for all of the moms. We undoubtedly had our share of tantrums and meltdowns like growing girls do.
My grandfather, the smart man he was- created a way for all of us ladies to (try) and get along. He established what was known as the “Lady Bug Club.” This was his club and all the granddaughters had automatic admission.
Whenever us girls would fuss and fight- he would remind us: “You girls need to learn to play nice and get along. You don't want to get kicked out of the Lady Bug Club now do you?” Just the mere thought of not being in his special “club” was enough to make us squash whatever pettiness we happen to be fussing about. Anything to make grandpa proud of his little girls.
To this day, if I see a ladybug- I smile and I think of him.
From a very young age, Erin and I have always shared a special connection and enjoyed each other’s company. I went to my first boy band concert with Erin (98 Degrees- whoop –whoop!!) Our mom’s surprised us with tickets they won over the radio. You should have seen…or should I say ‘heard’ our reaction when they broke the news to us. We went completely BA-NAN-AS!! Erin and I have enough inside jokes and funny memories to keep us laughing for hours… and often times when we get together, that’s exactly what we do! I have also spent many of holidays at Erin’s house in West Palm. Their home is just as open and inviting as they are! I remember feeling completely at ease the first time I introduced Brendan and we attended a Thanksgiving dinner at their place. Many a’good times at the Taylor residence!
I believe that Erin and I both share the same vision and sense of responsibility that lies upon the second generation. It’s important to me that as we grow older we still make time to see one another and attend family gatherings together, just as our parents did. I know Erin will continue to be a part of my life and I a part of hers. I may be an only child- but without a doubt- my children will call her “Aunt Erin.”
My cousin Erin is kind, giving, thoughtful, loving and compassionate. She has a big heart, yet an old soul and believes in the true love story that is my grandmother & grandfather just as much as I do.
I am honored to have her stand and speak before our family and friends on our wedding day.
((Love you ladybug!))
I am SO lucky that you're my Cousin. I've always known it, but reading this is just another reminder. We have so many fun times "under our belt" already and I know that will only continue to multiply as the years go on! Grandpa gave us girls something really special--so special in fact that we still want to carry it on! I'm not even sure if he knew at the time how big it would become or how long it would go on. At 23, I am proud to still tell others about the "club." To me, if we keep the "Ladybug Club" going, Grandpa never really dies because he lives through us.
ReplyDeleteWe have always been so close and our hearts are so much the same. Because of this, I am beyond excited for this coming year and all the years ahead you will have with Brendan. The happiness Brendan brings to you is why I have grown to love him and he is already my Cousin (for life!)
Reading at your wedding is going to be a memory I'll cherish forever.
Love you too, Ladybug<3