Monday, July 14, 2008

My Long-Lost Lesbian Cousin


This weekend I took a trip up to Seattle to connect with a cousin I hadn't seen in 30 years. Sandy is a few years older than me and as soon as she graduated high school, she took off for the West Coast. I never really knew her as a kid, although our families lived right around the corner from one another. I'd been hearing about my lesbian cousin for years. Back in the 70s, she changed her last name so that she would be recognizable as a lesbian. This was a person I had to get to know!

We met at the train station and headed over toward Key Arena where we were going to see the Seattle Storm play. I don't know if it's because we're family or because we're both dykes, or maybe a combination of both, but the conversation just flowed. 

I met her sweet partner, Nina and we quickly fell into Belge family humor, a combination of wit, word play, cynicism and vulgarity. We really did fall from the same tree. Being around them was very comfortable. After the game, we sat up late learning about the differences and similarities of our childhoods. 

Over breakfast--wonderful scones and a quiche made by Nina--we picked right up where we left off the night before. The visit ended too quickly, but I somehow feel that this blood family is about to become part of my chosen family. 

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

What a touching post. So much to think about in terms of family. I, too, have a gay cousin and a lesbian stepsister. Kathy, I always appreciate what you have to share!