Sometimes you meet someone who changes your whole world. Someone that can make even the darkest of times fade away with their smile. They can make you a better person every single day and almost force you to realize the things that matter most in life. For some, that person can be a significant other or a best friend. However, for me, it was you.

When you were born, you saved me. After feeling a little lost and unsure of where life was taking me you became my world. Nothing else mattered and when I saw you for the first time I got lost in how beautiful you were. You have helped me become the person that I was always meant to be: mature, respectful, a role-model to you, and an aunt.

I never want you to stop being yourself. I hope you spend your days laughing, smiling, and fighting for what you believe in. There’s so much goodness in your little heart and I don’t ever want you to stop sharing that with the world. Take each day by the reigns and change the world, my sweetheart. Never forget who you are and where you came from.

I hope you never lose faith in who you are meant to be. Boys will break your heart, you will fight with your parents, and you will probably get a few bad grades. But, that’s okay! The hard times will teach you to be strong and confident and fierce. I have been through some very hard times (I'm sure you’ll hear all about them someday) but with the help of your mom and grandmother, I made it through and became so much stronger than I ever thought I could be. I hope you are able to do the same and I will always be here for you, even when you feel like you don’t have anyone.

Thank you for making me a better person every single day. Right after you were born, I realized that I had to be strong for you. I can’t be anything less than an amazing aunt to you. I hope to show you what real love is, what a happy and respectful relationship is, why having a relationship with God is so important, and why you should always be good to yourself. While I will mess up and fail at times, I know that your little self is learning from me and growing alongside of me.

I hope you know how much I love you now and how much I will always love you. I will always be here to wipe your tears away, hold your hand, and help you to see how beautiful of a little girl God made you to be. I am the luckiest of aunts to have you. I can’t wait to watch you grow and turn into the beautiful and amazing young woman I know you will be!