Niece, cousin… what’s it gonna be?

In Mexico, and perhaps most of Latin America, we call our cousins’ kids our nieces/nephews. All my life I’ve thought this was customary, I guess because I never really gave it much thought. After Googling this topic a few minutes ago, I discovered that I am wrong – only sibling offspring are considered nieces/nephews. My cousins’ children are my cousins once removed (I think). Although I’m happy to be informed of the correct term, I don’t plan on breaking tradition and will stick to what I’m used to. It sounds so much more affectionate. Anyone “removed” just sounds so… distant!

And how would such a random subject even come up? Yesterday was my niece’s high school graduation. During the drive home, I asked my husband, “So who are we to Paola, exactly?” We’ve become really close over the past few years, and I realized that I’ve been calling her my niece out of habit. His response – “Well, she’s our niece… duh! But it does get complicated because her dad’s dad and my dad have different dads… but, whatever. She’s our niece.” And that was that. Now my question is – who is she in relation to my daughters? Yes, they are cousins, I realize that. But are they going to call her tía (aunt) when they’re older? Oh boy, this is giving me a headache!

This song is for you, Paola. I disregarded it the first time I heard David Cook sing it on American Idol, until I read the lyrics. Seems right for this moment. (Just change boy to girl!)

Dream Big

When I was a little boy
I swore that I would change the world
when I grew up
nothing else would be enough
back then it all seemed black and white
but these days
I just can’t seemed to find
the child in me
who always believed

I see it every day
We settle for safe
And lose ourselves along the way

But if we don’t Dream Big
What’s the use in dreaming
If you don’t have faith
there’s nothing worth believing
It takes one hope
To make the stars worth reaching for
So reach out for something more

Took a while to perfect a plan
for me to finally understand
that it’s not me
faith is something you can’t see
I loose the reins
and let them go
I broke the chains of fear
that had their hold on me too long
when all I felt was wrong

I’ve wiped my tears away
now it’s time for a change
No, I can’t waste another day

But if we don’t Dream Big
What’s the use in dreaming
If you don’t have faith
there’s nothing worth believing
It takes one hope
To make the stars worth reaching for
So close your eyes
and tell me what you see
between what’s real
and make believe
here’s the path
we’ve all been searching for
so reach out for something more

than you could ever imagine
then move
don’t wait for it to happen
life’s too short
for not taking chances
the stars aren’t as far as they seem…

Congrats!