Rubies & Pearls: The Central Coast Coughlins

Friday, September 28, 2012

The Central Coast Coughlins

Aunt Janet & Uncle Edd

Every year since Amara was a baby, Don and I have made our way down to visit his brother Edd, sister-in-law Janet and cousins, Nick, Reba & Scott. Each year we enjoy a few days of both fun and relaxing times at their peaceful piece of paradise not too far from San Luis Obsisbo. As the girls have gotten older and can remember each visit more easily they now look forward to their visits with their aunt, uncle and cousins with memories of visits prior. Sometimes the cousins are not always around but we have begun to build some strong ties with them too.

We get to see the Central Coast Coughlins at other times in the year but to have a few days with them one on one has really helped make the girls bond with them stronger. Amara loves to bake with her Aunt Janet, do puzzles with Uncle Edd and to run around on their 5 acre spread. Havana, just now 3, has begun to enjoy time in the pool and on the trampoline with her uncle, playing games and reading with her aunt and chasing poor Lazo dog around the yard. This year the girls even gave him a bath. (which really meant Janet gave Lazo a bath while the girls watched!)

What I want the girls to remember most about this part of the family is how warm, patient, generous and loving they are. Aunt Janet always gives to the girls in a way that is present and gentle. She makes time for them without hesitation. Amara wants to bake, sure. Havana wants to read a book, Aunt Janet will read to her. They love getting so much positive attention from someone who loves them.

But it's no wonder Aunt Janet is so great with our girls. She raised her own three kids to be some remarkable people. Nick, Reba and Scott all have the same generosity and kindness as their parents. They are respectful and open minded as well as adventurous and outgoing. I pray my girls have some of the same qualities as their cousins do.

And then their is Uncle Edd, who is a big kid himself in many ways. His big hearted natured makes him warm and welcoming. The girls can't get enough of him. "Uncle Edd" can be heard like a mantra all day long each time they are in his presence. Even when their Uncle is trying to read the newspaper, the girls don't give him any peace! But Uncle Edd is a good sport. During this last visit, the girls got a kick out of it when he showed them the gazillion tiny frogs living in their defunct hot tub. And Amara looks forward to each morning to take the long walk up the driveway with her Uncle Edd and Lazo, to get that newspaper that he doesn't get to read.

When Havana was born, Janet (along with Don's sister Paula) came and spent 3 days taking care of us. I don't think I can find appropriate words to describe what that meant to me and how their presence and hard work helped us transition to life with our second baby. Janet and Paula were like tag team angels who helped keep Amara entertained, kept us feed, made sure the laundry would get done after the many Havana blowouts and just helped us feel connected to family in a way that was soothing, healing and grounding. As long as I am in this body, I will be grateful to Janet for all the love, energy and time she gave to our family that week. Things like that are priceless.
The girls don't yet realize how lucky they are to have an aunt and uncle like Edd and Janet. For now, all they know is how much fun they have with the. But as they grow, they will realize this and I am sure they will treasure how blessed they are.