Whether you have a nephew or a niece, these children impact your life. This is how my Nephew has shined some light on mine.

In December of 2015, my family was blessed with the birth of my nephew Grayson. The only nephew I have, no nieces... yet. I was driving home from college on the day he entered this world and I didn't realize how this was going to change my life.

For my entire winter break I lived with my brother and sister-in-law to help them around the house make sure their transition into parenthood went smoothly. This meant I got to baby sit quite a bit, which was the best Christmas gift of all! Then I went back to school for my spring semester and everyday I woke up thinking of him. When I was fifteen, my grandfather died of cancer and it was the single worst day of my life. But before that, I spent his last summer with him and my grandma, helping around the house to make sure they had a smooth transition. My grandfather had many radiation and chemotherapy treatments, however it did not save his brain from giving into his sickness. My grandpa couldn't communicate with words well, so I did a lot of guess work. And the biggest thing to me was, I knew when he was happy because he would look me in the eye, smile and nod. It seems really simple, but this meant that through all his pain, I helped him feel better. Even if only for a little while.

This entire summer I have been back home, living with my brother and sister-in-law, and my nephew to help around the house and to watch the little bubba. And honestly, This has been the best summers since my time with my grandparents. Not only am I back home, surrounded by family and familiar places. I am fortunate enough to be able to witness my nephew grow everyday. Grayson was just shy of five months old when I moved home this summer, so I have witnessed many milestones. Since I've been here he as learned to crawl, sit up on his own, make noises if and when he wants something, walk with his walking chair, and learn to pull himself up to stand.

Grayson will be eight months this week and unfortunately, a week later I will be back to school, six hours away. While I'm happy to be continuing my education this means four long months away from my best friend.

I can't explain the love I have for this kid. All I know is every time I look at him he looks back and smiles. But he doesn't smile because I did something funny, or I look silly, But because he loves me. Because I am one of the few people that he knows in this world and when he looks at me he knows that he is safe, and with someone who loves him and will protect him. Because he doesn't know of any evils in this world. he doesn't know of terror or pain or anything. All he knows is that, he knows you, and he loves you. And every time I look at his smiling face I see a bit of my grandfather in him. Because I see little parts of my brother in him. I see a reason to finish school, a reason to look towards the future. I see him growing up to be a fine young man who will have known how much he is loved and adored by many. I see a little boy, who I have helped feel better and be better. Even if only for s little while.

I love you Grayson.

#auntybandbabyg