NJ Cousins

Hi kiddo! Well, I told you about your Great Grampa Faiman and I figured I better tell you about his family. I dreamt about one of my NJ cousins the other night and realized that I never told you or your brothers about them. So, here is the scoop on those NJ Faimans. Your Gramma Debbie had a brother, Richie. He was much older than your gramma and when she was young, he joined the military. He ended up settling in NJ and married your Aunt Shelly. They have 3 kiddos - Jon, Linda and Lisa. Unfortunately, I have only seen them a handful of times - a trip when I was little (7 or 8), when Linda got married, when Uncle Richie died and then when your dad and I went on a business trip to New York.

Jon is always fun to be around - he is funny, has a big spirit and loves to talk and joke. Lisa was always very nice to me but I have spent the least amount of time with her. I didn't see her on our last visit. Then, there is Linda. Whether she is aware of it or not, she has a persona that I am completely drawn to. I remember feeling that way even when I was little. It is hard to explain but there are only 3 people that drew me to them like that - Linda, Debi D and your Aunt Kim. It is kind of like you look at them with stars in your eyes and want to beg to spend time with them so you can be as cool as them - a kid screaming "Pick me, Pick me." Each time I saw Linda, I would come home sad that we weren't geographically closer because I think we would have had a great relationship. Unfortunately, NJ is a long way away and I don't think we will see them in Omaha anytime soon.

When we went to NJ for Uncle Richie's funeral, it was the first time that the whole family had been together - ironic since it was only because we had just lost a key member of that family. Even Gramma and Grampa Faiman got on the plane to head out there. It was so interesting to see everyone interract. Grampa just loved up Linda's son Daniel. It makes me sad to think that he isn't here to love you up like that. He would have spoiled you rotten. It was a sad occasion but it did tug at my heart to see Grampa with his family that he hadn't seen in years.

When we went to NY in 2006, we set up a dinner with Aunt Shelly. We had a great time with Jon, Linda and all of Aunt Shelly's extended family. It was great to have your dad meet them and he really enjoyed their company. We only had a few hours with them and they went by way too quickly. When we left, I was just overcome with emotion and went a little crazy crying in the car. It was the first time in ages that I had missed Grampa Faiman that much. Being there with his family & knowing that him and Uncle Richie weren't with us anymore was overwhelming. Their spirits were so present in that room that it made their loss that much greater.

I hope that we will be able to introduce you to your East Coast clan. I am sure they would love you up and welcome you with open arms like they always did me!

Hilary (Aunt Shelly's niece), Aunt Shelly & your mom

Your dad, Stewie (Aunt Shelly's nephew - an extended NJ Cousin) and Jon

Daniel, Michele, Linda, your mom and Jon