My mom used to tell me how much I reminded her of you. I mean your name is within mine so I would hope I'm at least a little like you even though I never got to meet you. My parents always said you were such a happy, free spirited, young woman who always had a smile on your face. I've been through hundreds of pictures of you and it always looks like you're having a great time. You were so beautiful and full of joy. Even though you passed away before I was born I can tell that we have this bond that is unbreakable. I can feel your presence often just like the bond that I have with my nieces and nephew.
A bond between an aunt or uncle and their nieces and nephews is something that is irreplaceable. My mom was always the outdoorsy type and she always said that you were the girly, play dress up type of girl. I would say when I was younger that I was in the middle. I liked doing both things. I would often pretend that you were there playing dress up with me or playing with dolls as a child. As I got older the idea of you crossed my mind more often. There were secrets and emotions that I would keep from my parents that I wish I had someone else to confide in. Well that person would have been, and was, you. My dad would often joke that I was just like my mom because I talked to myself so much. Well looking back I don't think my mom and I were talking to ourselves so much as talking to you.
“Only an aunt can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend.” I feel like if you were here this would be so extremely true. Based off of my mom's happy and bubbly personality, I always pictured you the same way. If I were to meet you today and get a hug from you I'm sure it would feel the same way as hugging my mom would. When I say I wish I had you to tell my secrets to it's because I grew up without siblings. If you would have been around I would have been able to tell you things that I had to keep to myself. I know our friendship would have been amazing because of the way I have heard people talk about you. You being my aunt would have been an amazing experience.
Even though we never got to meet in person, I feel your love in my heart. I look forward to the day when I finally get to meet you and all of our loved ones are reunited. Until then I love being able to call you my own personal guardian angel.
