Importance of cousins

My first cousin, who is five years younger than me, died this week. He died in his sleep and was found by his son when he didn't answer his phone. We will be going to his funeral in a few days and I was pondering if I could work it in because of other plans. Well, I began reflecting on scripture and remembered how Mary, who was with child (Jesus) went to the hill country to visit her cousin Elizabeth who also was with child (John the Baptist). My answer was to go to the funeral and it was in that reflection that I felt it was important to go. It would have been difficult for Mary to go, but her cousin meant a great deal to her and God was directing her to go. I feel now that God is directing me to go to my cousin's funeral and to be with my other cousins that will be there. Cousins were important in scripture and are still important. Time and distance often prevents us from seeing our relatives very often and we lose touch, however, the fact remains they are still family and should be treated as family. In my book "Living Waters: Writings from the Heart of a Christian" the third chapter is all about family and how important they are to us and how to love them with God's love. So now I am wondering why I even had a fleeting thought of not going to the funeral as other plans can always be changed, but a funeral is only once. Have a great week!