Reconnecting

We're cousins

But know very little of each other.

We didn't grow up together.

You lived in my area when you were around 8 years old

And I was around 3 years old.

You've traveled the country

Your dad was in the Navy.

I've stayed in the same city
My dad was civil service.

We're connected through heritage

And blood.

Our fathers were brothers.

Yours the oldest of 4 children

Mine next to the youngest of the 4 children.

There was a family reunion long ago.

You came with your family.

Years later you were in town with 3 of your buddies

You were attending classes at one of the local shipyards.

All of you visited one night,

And somewhere in all my dad's stuff

There is a rare picture of the two of us.

Years later you have resurfaced again.

You send me Smileboxes

And occasional e-mails.

You even remembered my birthday.

I'm so thrilled we have reconnected.

The two only children

Of the two brothers

Who were sons of the Finnish immigrant.