Dear Uncle Jimmy, Matthew, Willie and Jacob,

Growing up, you guys served not as my personal secret service squad, but the best shoulders to climb onto and the most talented hide and seek partners. As your first niece, each of you were my biggest protectors and I think we all know I was wrapped around your fingers for a while there.

You were never afraid to stoop down to my height and play whatever game I may have requested, resulting to the best impromptu water gun fights and airsoft wars. You always searched for the answers to my many unreasonable questions of “why?” You always channeled your inner chef when I came over, wowing my tummy with the best dinosaur chicken nuggets and a variety of hot pockets. When I was sad you always knew how to scoop me up in your enormous arms and make me feel better with the master of all hugs.

You taught me how to be an adventurer, taking me on the coolest treks through your backyard woods and catching the slimmest of creatures to my amusement. You’ve sat through numerous dance recitals, field days and awards days, whooping loud enough for everyone to hear. You’ve served as my biggest protectors, scaring any boy who dare come my way, threatening to stake out my first dates, intimidating the poor guy across the dinner table with comments like “I’ve been to jail, son,” and always greeting him with a good ole “You ain’t gotten rid of him yet?” Heck, one of you even chaperoned my first prom. You became my superheroes, and I always thought that the world revolved around you.

As time has passed, you have continued to guide me, love me and support me. I may not be your number one girl anymore, but you have brought incredible aunts into my life who love me. You have shown me in your relationships with them how a husband should love his wife. I may not be your only “child” anymore, but you have brought me the sweetest cousins who I now get to love immensely the way that you have always loved me. We may not get to have our adventures anymore, but as I’ve stepped into adulthood you’ve given me the best ‘real-world’ advice and have cheered for me every single step of the way.

Most importantly, over 19 years you have shaped my views of who a man should truly be… Someone who isn’t afraid to be silly and make me laugh when I’m sad. Someone who is patient, regardless of my ridiculous amount of questions. Someone who always makes an effort, even when they aren’t always the best at things (like cooking). Someone who challenges me, teaching me new things about myself and makes life a new adventure. Someone who protects me from things that intend to hurt me. Someone who is my cheerleader and shares the joy of my little accomplishments. Someone who always places their family first and loves them to the ends of the Earth.

And whoever that lucky boy is one day that survives my protective uncles has some giant shoes to fill. Because you four have set the bar of what it means to be a man in my eyes. And for that, I will always be thankful

Love always,

Your Niece, Caty

`