By Leticia Espinales

There are those who believe we are all brothers and sisters in this world. Then there are those who believe that somewhere on this earth we all have a double. Well, if I have a double I have yet to meet her, but I do wonder if she also has weight issues.

However, a recent development in my life leads me to believe that with all the turmoil going on in the world perhaps we should all treat each other as if we were indeed related, for you never know who you are going to meet and what connection they may have to you.

Just re-cently, a cou-sin of mine in Virginia e-mailed me to tell me that a cousin of hers — whom I had never heard of — was living in my community.

I was reminded of the Disney song that goes, “It’s a small, small world.” I was curious to learn more, and it was not long after that her cousin contacted us and invited us over to his home.

Now this was no regular invite. This invitation was for a party; not only were we meeting him and his wife, but all of their friends. Talk about being under a microscope!

I suddenly became nervous as I am not really an outgoing gregarious soul, despite how “loud” I may appear when complaining in my prior columns. I am indeed a quiet soul. Meeting new people has always been an event for my nerves and I was going to be tested to the 10th degree here. I am indeed shy by nature but once I get to know you, I then feel comfortable enough to escape from my shell.

However, all my fretting was for not, as this cousin and his wife turned out to be most kind and gracious, and their friends were quite a funny and gregarious bunch. Laughter was the norm that evening and I chided myself for worrying and realized that I should host more gatherings of my own.

Through the years, I find myself getting all caught up in my day-to-day concerns and not keeping in regular contact with family and friends. I tend to cocoon myself from time to time; some may view that as being rude, but I must admit that I do get a lot done that way and that is just the way I am.

However, instead of proclaiming to lose weight — a notion I have long since given up on — this will be the year to become more social. After all, who is going to be there for you when you need it the most? Learn to appreciate them while you still can.

Leticia Espinales can be reached at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it