We have become fast friends with Linda and Ashley. We laugh a lot. Linda tries to get me out of the house. Linda and Billy talk at the train station. Linda and Billy are the new video team at church. (I only type up the songs for display ... well and I might take notes on things that can be edited out.) I sit with Ashley during the services at church. Ashley listens to the sermons at church as best she can. Now. This can have some interesting consequences.

In Ashley's world, she is about nine years old. Sometimes she's five. Sometimes, on the phone, she can sound like she's 22. Linda has made certain that Ashley understands how to enjoy people and how to be enjoyable. This has turned out to be great fun for me.

First, Ashley decided we needed to be called Aunt Pam and Uncle Billy because we were more than just an occasional entry into her life. This is a way to make us Hers.

Then, Ashley heard the pastor say that we are all family and suddenly the whole church was full of aunts and uncles.

Always Ashley has followed the escapades of my kids. She has learned their names, anticipated Noel's arrival, rejoiced over Noel, relished the photos.

And then on my birthday she suddenly asked me ... "Aunt Pam are any of my other cousins married?"

I had to pause and think. See, Ashley has her own real collection of aunts and uncles. I quickly decided that there was no way she was asking me to review that list with her. "Ashley, do you mean are any of my kids married?"

"Yes, your kids. You're my aunt and so your kids are my cousins. Are the others married?" So we did a review.

"Aunt Pam, will I ever get to even see a picture of your kids?" Hmmm well I realized I don't have a current pic of my kids! But I'm thrilled to report that Sarah fixed that for me. I had to pick my birthday package up at the post office which I managed to do one Saturday when the four of us met for our Saturday morning tradition of breakfast at the local cafe.

In the package was a fantastic piece that included my kids and their step-sister and each with their spousal unit. This, of course, was a very very happy occasion for Ashley. And there were a few more photos of Noel.

So, kids, meet your new cousin, Ashley.

I need a little favor. Would you please post a Hello note in the comments. Ashley's about to go to "sleep away camp" for two weeks and I would love to send her off with a note from each of ya'll. You have precisely 36 hours in which to accomplish this mission.

Alrighty! Thank you very much.