Cousins are a funny thing, they are your family but they are your age and you grow up together sharing special times but they don't necessarily live near so you don't see them all the time.
Having said this I have very fond memories of my cousin Ben. Pushing him in a pushchair, playing in the snow, races through the woods on endless walks, riding bikes on the fields out by their house, 'turbo boost' on Uncle Richard's car, frustrating board games (we always had to keep up with the older cousins!)
Sharing Christmas after Christmas, whether it was at our house, their house or our other cousins. Ben getting locked in the bathroom playing hide and seek and taking the key out - oh that was a scary one! Going crazy with silly string and crazy foam - sorry Auntie Pat.
Lots of happy times as kids.
And as we have all grown older sharing 'Forwood' weekends with all the Aunts and Uncles and whichever cousins could make it! Trips in Geoffs Porche! Checking out what Auntie Pat had bought at the car boot - oh and maybe a pub squeezed in!
I've read so many amazing stories about Ben and his kindness and gentle spirit is a theme, as a cousin he was a gentle giant, great company and he introduced me to The Foo Fighters - cheers for that!
Ben you have gone way way too soon and I'm so sad for my family, you will be missed so much. Safe journey Cuz.