NATCHEZ — For cousins Adrianna Wilkes and Rosanna Rials, seeking their own paths was a priority.

When The Dart landed on Wheeler Drive, the two were relaxing on their porch, playing with Rials’ two daughters, Lesley, 5, and Presley, soon to be 2.

Rials hails from Grayson, La., and Wilkes was a senior at Franklin Parish High School last year, and both decided to make the transition to Natchez together.

Wilkes is currently a student at Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Natchez campus, while Rials plans to attend nursing school after a recent separation with her children’s father.

Rials now said she is finding comfort in both her cousin as well as her children.

“(Wilkes) makes me laugh so much,” she said. “It’s difficult getting over the hard times. It helps to have someone make you laugh when you’re hurting so much.”

Wilkes, a freshman who enjoys playing softball, said she takes pride in making her cousin forget about some of her difficult times while also taking care of her nieces, but only to a certain extent.

“It’s fun being around them,” Wilkes said. “It’s better than having your own kids because you can take care of them when you want to, and then just put them back on momma.”

Wilkes said Rials serves as a daily motivation.

“She’s a good mom,” she said. “She does it on her own. She’s an inspiration to me. I look up to her. It takes a strong woman to do it (raise two children) on their own.”

From her past experiences, Rials said she has learned valuable lessons and hopes to pass along her message to others in similar situations.

“You should always do what makes you happy and follow your heart,” Rials said. “Don’t stay miserable, because there is always something better on the other side if you look for it. You just have to find it.”

As for her current plans, Rials plans to start fresh, knowing she has the love and support of both her cousin and two daughters.

“I’m here to figure life out,” she said. “I’m looking to figure out who I am. That’s what I’m looking for.”