Relatives

Uncle: one who helps, advises, or encourages (www.merriam-webster.com)


Aunt: used as a form of address for an older woman, especially by children (www.thefreedictionary.com)

Cousin: a relative descended from a common ancestor (www.merriam-webster.com)

My first son-in-law was born in Laos and immigrated to the United States at the tender age of five. His mother and father brought with them many old family traditions and native language, Thai, from their homeland.

Our children were lucky enough to be married twice! The first time in the church both attended as youth. The 14K diamond ring was placed upon the bride’s finger in an evening ceremony. The second time was in the Laos tradition which included tying the knot before the noon hour. The traditional 18K gold rings were exchanged. The Buddha priest blessed their first home.

Upon his arrival, my oldest grandson received the traditional 18K gold ankle bracelet from his father’s family. He asked for kin cow, rice, when he was hungry and jump, dip, for his French fries long before he could say grandma. He addresses all children that are frequent visitors to his other grandparents’ home as cousin, all young adults are aunts or uncles, and all old folks are grandparents.

My family has respectfully laughed at my son-in-law and his family when they call all Laotians cousin, aunt, uncle, grandma or grandpa. But after reading the definitions above, maybe I have not educated my daughters correctly.