When we moved to Chgo in the 50's
tsk 40 cousins sounds familiar. Don't take that as a for sure though. I was about 6? But then too all my aunt/uncles were still having kids. And, it was very hard for Mom to even keep track of her sisters and brothers. We're talking lots of people and many many cousins. Making it even harder was we lived at least a minimum 1,000 miles from the nearest ones. Even Mom found it hard to keep track and make changes for sending birthday and Christmas cards for her sibs, much more so for nieces and nephews. We were the only ones east of Miss River - The rest were all around the Rockies and west of that.
More on the ring --- Aunt Lydia knew I liked anything that sparkled. Did ya' know? Uncle Sam and friend designed an on-going ring design. As the years went on he might add another diamond for anniversaries. I'm guessing 1970's she gave me the ring.
O M G For insurance I got a description and evaluation, at that point $00,000. Sad story is when she came for a visit one time and I wasn't wearing the ring. She was hurt that I didn't have it on. I told her "but you're still with us and it's your ring." With tears in our eyes (me, auntie, mom) she said "Wear Your Ring and remember me and our love for each other." When I wear it I always get a tear or two . . . I've lost it even now thinking of her. They were an important part in my upbringing - They took me in to help Mom and Dad when things were not easy for us.
Final detail - When handling Aunt Lydia's distribution - I passed on claiming anything more.
A new meaning for Memorial Day in my world. I will wear "our" ring on Monday.
:'(
P