Extended Family

Extended family is something that I've always considered to be a natural part of life. The dynamics within a family unit can vary greatly from one to another, with some being closer-knit than others. My own family has always felt like a blend of connections, leading me to not dwell on it too much. In my case, my close friends have often filled the role of chosen family in my life.

Spending this much time in India with an extended family that is co-located, I’ve been able to cultivate a new bond with my cousins, one I didn’t expect to create as an adult. Even though they have grown up with each other and have so many more memories, they refuse to allow me to feel less connected. They’re great at meeting me where I’m at, making time for me, finding ways to engage me, and making sure I have a good time. While this is more prevalent on my dad’s side (the family I’m living with and interacting with daily), I have a strong relationship with most of my cousins on both sides of my family. 

I have cousins in New York/Singapore/San Fransisco living far from their families with kids/homes/etc, and I have cousins in Delhi who live together with their parents and grandparents. Somehow I feel like I relate to all of them. While we don’t get a ton of time together and go long periods without talking, I like to think we’re all thinking about each other. It’s a special bond that has overcome many challenges, and it’s not something I’ll ever take for granted again.