For years, my cousin in New York City has included me in his family events, activities, and travels.  I traveled to Cuba and Thailand with him. As well as seeing Cousin Gail in Arizona and in Florida, the Simpsons and Bennett’s in California and other family members across the US.  I got to watch a number of his granddaughter Kessey’s school recitals, went on local outings with his son Ahsan and Kessey, and special birthday party celebrations like Aunt Patsy’s 95th and his mom’s (my sweet cousin Virginia) annual birthday dinners.  I love our adventures together. Petey and his lovely wife Pam are actually there, but I am not.  Instead, I am at home or at times off on my own journey.  Most of the time, when Petey and Pam hit the road, I get a text or email saying “Hey Cuz” followed by images of their latest amazing happenings. No matter where I am, I excitedly devour the pictures and videos of their activities and travels as if I am at some grand movie screening. You had better believe the viewings are filled with my squeals of delight, talking back, and applause. 

Petey is an avid tennis player on a mission to travel and play tennis around the world.  So far, he has played tennis on their trips to California, Arizona, Martha’s Vineyard, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica, Virgin Islands, Florida, Ocean City, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta GA, and of course his home of NYC.  I rarely hear him talk about what he wants to do or where he wants to go. He just does it. Then out of nowhere, I get that “Hey Cuz” text or email followed by pictures of him and Pam wherever they happen to be at that moment. This includes their cruises to Bermuda, Cuba, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Cozumel Mexico, Labadee Haiti, and the Cayman Islands.

 Due to the pandemic, they did not travel much outside of NYC, but that did not slow him down. Petey sent me heart-warming videos of musicians entertaining his community during the lockdown.  While riding his bike through the deserted streets, he sent me a video tour of an empty New York that was hard to imagine.  He sent photos of a historical house in his neighborhood, once owned by an abolitionist and a part of the Underground Railroad. He sent pictures while waiting in line to get the Covid vaccine. He sent pictures of Stadium Tennis Center, located next to Yankee Stadium, where he plays tennis a couple times a week.  Petey even took me on a trip down memory lane. When feeling nostalgic, he sent photos from his album of us during our younger years or from his many visits here with us, his Delaware family.

There have been many, but my absolute favorite adventure so far with Petey and Pam would have to be Orlando, Florida. The “Hey Cuz” video I received of them dancing with belly dancers on top of a table at a Greek restaurant, was the best time ever. Petey held his own pretty good but Pam’s hips shook and they swayed.  She matched the professional belly dancer gyration for gyration. As I watched, I danced along with Pam, hollering, “Girl you better work that body.” Way to represent cousin!

Their South Africa trip was postponed. I so look forward to Petey and Pam being on the move again.  I cannot wait until that next “Hey Cuz” text or email arrives, followed by pictures and videos of them sharing their newest adventure with me.

Thanks Cuz for the years of precious memories and for the fun times ahead♥

Amanda

All photographs used in this article are the property of Petey and Pam.