There are thousands of greeting cards in the world - cards for friends, 1st birthdays, anniversaries, for Mom's and Dad's and for siblings. There are cards to say thank you, happy birthday, and I love you. There are cards that talk about how important someone is to you, cards that will sing to you, and cards that will make you laugh harder than you probably should.
But of all the cards in the world, I have yet to see a thank you card for aunts, so this one is for you.
I'd like to believe that aunts exist because parents and grandparents couldn't handle their children without the extra help. You are the definition of unconditional love - the kind of love that spoils you with cookies and mac and cheese, the kind of love that doesn't punish you when you are 3 years old and say something you probably (definitely) shouldn't.
You never failed to make me feel as though I was one of the most important parts of your life. I know that whenever I needed you, you would be there in an instant, without a question or hesitation. Even though I wasn't your actual granddaughter, you made sure I felt like I was. There was never a moment where I questioned your love for me - your love radiated out of your heart and into every nook and cranny of the rooms you entered.
Thank you...
1. Thank you for watching over me as I grew up. I know I wasn't always the most well-behaved child, but I thank you for the patience you had with me.
2. Thank you for teaching me to always say I love you before I left a room. You taught me the importance of never saying goodbye without a hug and a kiss and an "I love you."
3. Thank you for being another grandparent to me. You loved me as though I was one of your own.
4. Thank you for teaching me the power of sarcasm. Although it may get me in trouble sometimes. Because of you, I know that the only way we can get through life is with a laugh and a smile.
5. Thank you for being the "cool" aunt. You let me get away with far more than I should have, and you loved me anyways.
6. Thank you for all the memories you helped me create throughout my life. I cannot remember a single family get-together without your love and laughter.
7. Thank you for teaching me to be proud of where I come from. I am a strong Sicilian woman who loves where she comes from because of you.
8. Thank you for always encouraging me to go see the world. Even when my own mother was afraid to let me leave the house, you told me to go out there and see everything while I can.
9. Thank you for teaching my mom how to be a single mother. You made everything you did look easy, and because of you, so did my mom.
I can think of a thousand more things I am thankful for. I am thankful for every moment we spent together, for all the inside jokes and laughs we shared. I love you always.
Thank you for helping me become the woman I am today.
Love,
Your great grandniece and biggest fan