When I was younger I didn't understand what unconditional love was or how you came to find it. Then I became an Aunt. I learned how much you love a small human. I learned that no matter what I wanted nothing to hurt them and the world to be a good place for them. I got to learn that being Aunt meant you got to be fun but stern. I learned what it was to love something unconditionally.
I am an Aunt to five wonderful nephews and two beautiful nieces. Even though I don't get to see all of them, I love them none the less. It is hard to explain how it feels to hold that little baby for the first time. The tears you get when they finally call you "Aunt Olivia" well try to in my youngest nieces case. I would drop everything to babysit and to just spend time with them.
As an Aunt, you learn that the world is a cruel place and fear for the future of the ones that now look up to you. Also, you become a role model, someone they are always happy to see. There is no way to describe the feeling of when my nieces come running to me and hug me every time they see me.
What they don't know is that they have made me a better person. I know they say you life changes when you become a parent but your life also changes when you become an Aunt. I have a new outlook on life and I see how an innocent child sees the world. That princess on the TV is their idol, they want to sing to every song. Even though I may complain about Frozen I will never miss the chance to sing "Let it Go" with my nieces.
As my oldest nephew became a teenager, I learned that they can't stay young forever. No matter how much we don't want them to grow up we have to let them. I am now able to share with him how the world will be cruel but amazing. I can give him my words of wisdom and hope I can help steer him down the right path. Also, can you stop growing you are now taller than me?
They also don't tell you that when your nephew gets diagnosed with a rare disease how much you will hurt him. But you will be there for the ups and downs and you will watch him get batter. You will support him no matter what but you will also cry for him. Sometimes things aren't fair but he is a trooper and he has taught me to keep going.
It's actually kinda scary being an Aunt knowing these small humans look up to you. But they have helped me more than they will ever know. When my depression is hitting hard I think of the great times with them and smile. They make me smile and laugh, they keep me young. I will never let anyone hurt them.
I am proud to be an Aunt. I am proud to be their Aunt. Honestly its the best job I have!
