So how big of an ass am I? Sometime during the past 7 years, during the highs and lows of our survival period, my cousin went and got himself published. Not just published, but critically acclaimed. Very humbling indeed. And I feel like such a selfish fool for being totally unaware of this until now. Thankfully, he was at our wedding, and I was able to catch up with him. I think I learned more about him and his siblings during that weekend than in the 25-30 years preceeding it.
If you haven't read it, go out and get it. It's very good and I'm not just saying that. Who knew so much talent resided in my family tree.
Reading it has really stirred up a lot in me, for a lot of reasons, because he's family, because the stories, places, and people are familiar, because the story itself is age old. There is more that I want to write about it, but am having trouble putting down in any kind of coherent fashion. But I will follow up. Promise.