I’m 20 years old, but I have 5 children. No, they aren’t biological and they definitely don’t call me mom, but for what it is worth, they are my children. I love them like a mother would miss them as a mother does, and would do anything for them like a mother should. If you hadn’t guessed it by now, I’m an aunt. My nieces and nephews are a few of the most important people in my life. I held them all just hours after their birth and have been with them every step of growing from a baby to a toddler to a “big kid”. The love I feel for them is unlike anything else, and if you haven’t experienced this same type of love yet in your life, you might feel as though I am a bit crazy. They are a few of my greatest blessings and have taught me so much in their few years, so I would like to thank you and share a few of my promises to them.

Thank you for always letting me express my inner child. I can always count on you to give me an excuse to play in the park, go down the water slide and watch my old Barbie movies. I love reading stories to you that I was read when I was little and being able to escape “adult life” just for a bit. You give me a portal to simpler times and make it acceptable for me to act childish on occasion.

I promise to never get so busy or stressed that I can’t be silly with you. I promise to come play with you when you ask, even if I think I have better things to do and to come outside to play dinosaurs, even if it’s hot out.

Thank you for teaching me about unconditional love. Not only do you say the words “I love you” more than any adults I know, but you also show it. Every time you fall asleep with your head on my shoulder or reach for my hand, I feel so unbelievably loved. I know you don’t notice when I gain 5 pounds or when I’m having a good or bad hair day. You notice when I’m not there and ask where I am. I know that you are genuinely happy simply spending time with me. You demonstrate the purest form of love without even knowing it.

I promise to show you that same love back, always. As you grow older I want you to always be able to reach for my hand.

Thank you for giving me an outlet of expression for my maternal side. I’ve always loved children. I started babysitting at age 11, but it’s different with you. You are my family and I treat you as such. Thank you for perfecting my skills on time-outs, teaching me how to child-proof a house and make kid friendly meals, and making me an excellent teacher. I know what temperature your bottle should be at, what onesies work best, how to help a colicky baby at 3am, and methods to potty-training. I’ve learned some of the same things the first time parents do along with your parents and I’m forever grateful for that.

I promise to always be your second mom, even when I have children of my own. You have a special place in my heart saved for nieces and nephews. After all, I’ll always be a little bit cooler than your parents.

Thank you for giving me as much attention as I give you and for showing me that you are listening. When you take an interest in the things in my life or notice that I painted my toenails yellow, I feel so loved. You are observant and I know that you genuinely care about me. I love when you ask me questions and remember things I told you. You repeat the things I say, even when you probably shouldn’t, but I know you’re always listening.

I promise to never lose interest in you. I will always be open to hearing your stories, kiss your “ouchies”, and hear the names of all of your stuffed animals. As you grow older, I promise to support you in all you do, being in the front row of all of your dance recitals and the sideline of all of your football games.

Above all, thank you for loving me more than I thought was possible. I promise to always love you back even more.