There are people in the world who are just beautiful people…inside and out!  People who shine with such a bright light that draws you in.  They have this calmness about them that makes you appreciate the time you spend together.  I am thankful for every precious minute I have spent with my cousin Erika.

Life was never meant to be easy, and some people receive more than their fair share of challenges.  It’s how we ride these waves…how we come out on the other side that shape who we become.  Despite all the battles you have had to endure, you have grown to become a beautiful, caring, smart young lady.

you’re a survivor.

Never have I heard you question, deny, or complain about the cards you were dealt.  You just accepted it and took it in your stride.  Although there is no doubt it was hard at times, you maintained a level of innocence and joyfulness that I’ve always admired.  I wish we lived closer, so we could have played as children…I wish we lived closer, so we could share stories…I wish we lived closer, so you could shine your light on me.

While you have gone on to achieve many great things in your life, in August 2015, you blessed us all with your greatest accomplishment yet…Germán.  He is such a mini you.  He too has this aura around him that attracts nothing but positivity.  With you by his side to guide him through this wonderful world we live in, he is bound to have a long and happy life.

You should be proud of the success you experience today…I know your mum would be.

You deserve all the happiness in the world.

~ I dedicate this to my Cousin – Erika Cabrera

The post True Story No.4 ERIKA first appeared on 365 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

The post True Story No. 2 MONICA first appeared on 365 Because.

I had decided to finally make the long overdue trip to visit my family.  It had been over 24 years since I had last seen my Cousin now living in Vienna.  My mother would tell us stories of him that were always full of love and laughter and while my Cousin was known as the ‘troubled one’ of the family, I know she had a soft spot for him.  I grew up knowing that while we were oceans apart from our family, they were always close at heart!

I had finally landed and was making my way out of the airport.  Although I was super excited, a small part of me was a little apprehensive as I was not sure what I would find.  My Cousin now had his own family…he was married to a beautiful woman who I had only seen in photos, he had two children and he had planted his roots well and truly in Vienna.  I would be a mere stranger to him and his family.  Would I be getting in their way?  Had too much time gone by?  Would he even remember who I was?  What if we didn’t recognise each other?  And then, as I struggled, pushing my suitcases around the corner…I saw him.

you welcomed me with open arms.

Instantly I felt a connection…the excitement in his step as he made his way around to me gave me all the reassurance I needed to know I had made the right decision to visit.  He welcomed me with open arms, and gave me the warmest, tightest and most comforting embrace.  At that moment I knew we had a bond that no matter how much time had passed it couldn’t be broken!

Over the next week, I went on to meet his beautiful family and some of his friends.  We spend every day together.  He opened his heart and showed me a small part of his life.  We laughed until we cried, we drank coffee, we walked, we talked…and he gave me the greatest gift of all…his Time.

It was obvious why he had finally settle in Vienna.  He was truly happy!

~ I dedicate this to my Cousin – Gustavo Allidi-Bernasconi.

The post True Story No. 1 GUS first appeared on 365 Because.