i love you because…

There are many amazing people in the world!  Strong people!  Soldiers that just keep on going, no matter what sh*t life throws at them.  You know the ones…they find strength at a time when many would give up…they can juggle everything and still manage to keep everyone happy and with a smile on their face.  When others crumble, they just shrug their shoulders and say “what can you do…”.  I am proud to say that my beautiful cousin Monica is one of these people…and what makes it even more powerful, is that she doesn’t even know how beautiful she is.

My family reunion continued as I made my way across the Atlantic Ocean and into Uruguay.  The last time I had visited was 19 years ago…the year after my mother had passed away.  Although I found myself once again not knowing what awaited me, I was quickly reassured by my cousins warm embrace.  And with that, we picked up from where we had left off, 19 years of separation…erased…just like that.

you’re stronger than you know.

I know I am a better person for having my cousin Monica in my life.  She has shown me what it means to love unconditionally.  And while she may not be rich…she is far more wealthier than any person I know.  She is always surrounded by her family, good friends and even strangers find themselves drawn to her.  She can turn any bad day upside down and leave you wondering why you were ever upset to start with.  She makes you realise that life is great and worth living!

I have the utmost respect for my cousin.  Every challenge that life has thrown at her has made her stronger.  She is a wonderful mother, daughter, friend and a far too good of a wife for her husband (sorry Checho, but we all know you are punching above your weight  xx).  Although our time together went way to quickly, my cousin is always in my heart.

If I can be half the woman she is, I would be very proud!

~ I dedicate this to my Cousin – Monica Victoria Allidi