My favorite (and only) Nephew,
When I was younger, I didn't realize how quickly my childhood would disappear. It was taken for granted constantly, and my life as a kid wasn't something to worry about because I believed it was always going to be there. My brain loved fantasizing about being older and what life would be like. The computer became an essential part of my day in middle school, along with every other electronic. I began wearing makeup and talking with the other girls about what boys were the cutest in class. My mind felt as if it was grown up, but I was in for a huge awakening.
My parents were always the people I looked up to. Dad was always there to take me to the ice cream shop when I caught a "pop-fly" at my softball game, and Mom wiped away my tears the first time a Bumblebee stung my leg. When I was upset, they would pick me up, reassuring me that everything was going to be okay. I expected that from them, because they were my protectors.
Little did I understand that things were about to change. The summer before college passed quickly. I packed up my suitcases, ready for a new step in life. I understood the path I was about to take, but not the emotions that came along with it.
Before I knew it, I was on my own, in a new town, with my precious childhood behind me. I was officially in adulthood now. There wasn't time to re-live the past and go back home. I wasn't able to run around on the playground anymore with the other kids. It was time to grow up and take on the responsibilities of a college student.
Never in a million years did I think I would miss being a kid. There are so many things that I wish I could have done instead of trying to grow up and be an adult. I pay for bills now, and I only see my family and friends from home on the weekends (if even that). It was definitely a shock but something I needed to understand. If there is anything you need to take from this, it's this:
Be a kid.
I know you may be thinking "Aunt Amanda, stop being so dramatic," but it's important that you understand you only have one life, one childhood. Don't worry about growing up because that day will come. Run around on the playground, bruise your knees, go swimming and get so burnt you can't move your arms. Go to birthday parties and ride your bike with the other kids in the neighborhood. Take advantage of Grandma and Grandpa letting you eat Skittles when you stay the weekend, even if Mom doesn't know.
Don't spend your days wishing you were older. Listen to Mom and Dad, of course, and understand that they will always be there. It will be hard on the stressful days, when all you want to do is run away because they made you go to your room. Do not hate them, though. They love you, and they only want the absolute best for you. Most importantly, have fun and be yourself. You only have one life to live kiddo, so live it well.
Love,
Your (favorite) Aunt
