When your mom and dad called me, I answered blindly. It was a Thursday night. I stepped outside of the house I was at to answer. After an introductory conversation, they told me the news. You were on the way. I was awake.

Suddenly, I felt a purpose that I hadn't ever before. I didn't know you yet. You were a little gray shape on an ultrasound and a weekly photo of my sister's tummy. I didn't even know your name. Yet you filled a place in my heart that I never knew existed.

From then on, the purpose you gave me became a guide for me. I couldn't live without reason. I was creating a foundation for the person you would know me as.

When I saw your face for the first time, my world changed once again. I sat in the room with your family, and I held you in my arms. You were so tiny. We didn't know anything about you or who you would become. We didn't know what you would like and what you wouldn't like. We didn't know how funny, smart, adventurous and sweet you would become. It wasn't a factor. We were in love with you. It was then I realized; you didn't earn our love. It was an effortless transaction. I've never even thought about it since that day I heard you were on the way.

Today, you're the lock screen on my phone and light of my life. In just two years, you have given me the most precious memories. The little person you are becoming is so full of life. I can't imagine the emotions that your parents feel watching you grow. Your existence, alone, has changed my life.

You have changed how I think about myself and how I think about others. I may never be able to thank enough you for everything you have done for me. How would I even thank someone for simply being? But thank you. Thank you for making me an aunt. Thank you for being my niece. Thank you for changing my world.