My four-year-old cousin is the only person who can brighten my day in an instant. The only person who can make me smile within seconds of walking into the room. But back then, I was scared my new little cousin would ruin everything.

I was young when I found out that my cousin was going to be born, around nine or ten years old. He was my first ever cousin, so I was beyond thrilled when I found out. 

As the weeks went on, I felt my excitement fade; the enthusiasm that was once there was filled with worry and doubt. 

What if nobody pays attention to me anymore?

What if I’m forgotten?

Those selfish thoughts flooded my head constantly as the day of his arrival inched closer. I loved having my time to shine for ten years, and I didn’t want it to end.

Back then, I had all these doubts and unnecessary worries, but now, four years later, here I am writing about how thankful I am. 

A four-year-old kid with more personality than any other person I’ve ever met. He never hesitates to make me laugh or smile with one of his jovial jokes.

I never thought that such a tiny human could have the biggest heart. He always has a flicker of a smile spread across his face no matter what he is doing, and that little smile is infectious. It’s crazy that I ever thought I wouldn’t like him. 

Even though I wasn’t too excited before he was born, I’m so grateful that he is here today. The highlight of my month is whenever they come to our house from Traverse City or when we go up there to visit. 

There is never a dull moment when he is around; he is always either dancing, singing, or telling jokes just to see and hear the rest of us lovingly laugh. Our entire family is lucky to have such a light in our lives to constantly keep us smiling. It’s insane how much one little kid can bring our whole family so much joy.

I could fill an entire book with the stories I have about him and all the funny things he has done in his four years of life.

To be completely honest, I don’t know what I would do without him. His crazy personality and everything else about him has been a light at the end of the tunnel the past few years, and even though it doesn’t matter to him now, I want to say thank you.

Thank you, Jack. Thank you for everything.