There is a quote that I found that resonates with my love of being an aunt. It reads, "Only an aunt can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister, and can share love like a friend." I became an aunt on July 11th, 2004, a day before my 8th birthday. On that day, my first niece, Erica, was born and, even though I didn't understand it then, my life had changed. I was an aunt. From that day forward, I would have these little kids who would grow into teenagers and then adults all look up to me, just as I looked up to their parents, my siblings, when I was young (and I still do today). I remember thinking about this quite early on. My siblings are much older than me and I have always looked to them for advice and as role models. They are some of the most important people in my life and I know that I would have that same effect on my nieces and nephew.
I can already see how I have affected them. Erica has joined her middle school band and writes. My nephew, Max, is as obsessed with Spider-Man as I am. My niece Emily and I both share a love to be alone with our imagination. I get to see these amazing kids grow from tiny, newborn babies into their own people. I know that I am growing as a person too and as we grow, we shape each other. I am kinder, more understanding, and more responsible because of them. I hope that they will learn from me too. I hope that they will find their passion for something as I have found passion in writing. I hope that they will come to me for any advice that is needed and I will try my best to be a listening ear. I will try my best to not be just their aunt, but also their friend. My greatest joy is to hear my name being squealed as my nephew, Max, runs towards me or when my youngest niece, Elizabeth, smiles at me. I love seeing the impact that I have on my five nieces and only nephew and the impact that they have had on me.
I am absolutely in love with being an aunt. If you know me well, you know how much I talk about the little kids in my life and how much they mean to me. If you have little kids in your life, remember how much they look up to you and remember to always set a good example. The best example that you can set is to be yourself and to be kind to them. Kids want a listening ear. They want someone who will allow them to talk about their school day or what they are pretending to do. As an adult in their life, you set their examples for how to act, how to think, and what to do in life. I am thankful for being an aunt because I have the love of so many wonderful children and I get to see them grow into their own. I get to be a role model for them and I plan to be the best one that I can. I love you Erica, Emily, Elizabeth, Riliegh, Peyton, and Max! Have you told the little kids in your life that you love them today?
