"Hey soul sister, I don't want to miss a single thing you do"

Over the Easter Weekend, we were in Halcombe to celebrate my cousin Courtney's 21st Birthday Party. What a weekend - what a Woman.





The whole weekend was pure magic. Most of our entire immediate family were there for days and days, in preparation, support & celebration.



What a weekend it was, reflecting on 21 beautiful years, was nostalgic for all of us. The party was great, the birthday girl looked gorgeous (as usual) in a beautiful purple dress, black satin shoes & Swarovski jewels. She borrowed my bling-bling, which was so special to have her wear, and we gave her some earrings as her gift. It was awesome having my "baby' Cousin Jhansi ask If she could wear it at her 21st Party. It was cool being able to say Yes!



I loved my Man & the boy's running the bar. I loved the dancing. At one point I looked up, and the only people on the d-floor were the five Hawkins grand-daughters. I loved the country aaaas dance moves, & the impromtu caterpillar & robot moves. I loved the dance circle, to Dave Dobbyn's 'loyal', which saw a shamed, awkward feeling Birthday girl, hovering in the centre with only the faces of loved ones, serenading her, at the top of their lungs, to look at. I will remember that night always and forever.



My cousins and I have a special bond. We were all born roughly a year apart, and spent a lot of time together growing up. every Christmas, Easter, Birthday, New Years - we were together. We fought, we played & we grew - all together.







I can't remember a lot before my sister Kelsey was born, she is the benchmark of my heart. But what I can remember, is because of my Cousins. Particularly Leah, my oldest cousin, & Courtney. We had each other. We were like sisters. They taught me how to be a sister. For that I will be forever grateful. They got to experience what it would be like to have a sister, as for many many years Leah had only a Brother Thomas, and Courtney only ever had her bro Cam. I love them. I miss the times where we spent fighting over who got which bike, doll or swing. I miss wearing our matching polka-dot party dresses, that Nan bought us. But most of all I am so grateful for these beautiful people I have in my life.







Courtney knew that I had planned on speaking at her 21st. But she warned me on the etiquette of time length & emotion control. Two areas that I am not the best with. So I sat the speech out. Also I found it so hard to find the right words. I found it really hard to explain the bond I have with her to anyone other than one of my cousins. Emotionally stumped? Me?! No!







If I had spoken this is what I would have said..







"Courtney, I am so proud. So proud of who you are, who you were & the beautiful, strong woman you have become. I am proud of all that you have achieved, and all that you are bound too. I am proud to have shared my life with you, and to forever be bound to you through blood, memories & love. You are so beautiful, inside and out. Although we are only 14 months apart in age, I will always think of you like a little sister. Although we have grown, some times it feels as if we are little girls again, playing dress ups, practicing our wedding march, making up dances & basking in the simplicity of our childhood. As years flick by, sadly the memories of our Nan & Papa, who have passed, slowly start to fade. But when we are together, I see their spirit in you, feel their presence & know that they will never be lost, as long as we have each other. I know that they are looking down on you tonight. I can see Papa beaming with Pride for his "girl", and Nan was always so proud of your beauty & grace combined with your amazing strength and 'I-can-do-anything' attitude. And girl, you can do anything!

Thank you so much for being my memory source, my friend & my soul sister for as long as I can remember, and for as long as I live. Happy Birthday & Congratulation's on turning 21."

Courtney

Love you XXX