Most people can identify a moment in time where their life changed. Whether it be for the worse or for the better, generally people can locate when their life went down another path. That moment for me was when I became an aunt. My life got happier, brighter and sweeter when my nieces and nephews came into my life. Life became easier, and somehow, it wasn’t so bad.
I was 10 when I became an aunt for the first time. At the time, I didn’t think I would be a good aunt. It stressed me out a bit because I knew that child would look up to me. I knew that I would have to set a good example. Thinking about that now, I realize how ridiculous that was and how silly I was being. I should have realized that being an aunt would be absolutely amazing. I had no idea at all how much of a blessing it would be. I will never forget the day my nephew was born. I can’t describe the feeling I felt when I held him for the first time. I was holding a little blessing, and I didn’t want to let go of him. I was so mesmerized by his little fingers and toes and the fact that this little human being was related to me. As time went on, I tried my best to be the best I could be for my nephew. I tried to teach him valuable life lessons, while also being the “cool aunt” and spoiling him. He is now turning into a wonderful young man. I would like to take the credit for some of that, but it is all on him and his mom. He is a wonderful kid, and I am incredibly proud to be his aunt.
God made me an aunt three more times. I now have two nieces and two nephews, and I love them with all of my heart. They are so funny and smart and such a joy to be around. It is so exciting to watch them grow up and discover new things. I love getting on social media and seeing pictures of them or learning about something funny that they did. Sometimes when I am having a bad day, I just think about them and the fact that I should make good choices and set a good example for them.
Being an aunt makes me want to constantly better myself and to set a good example. I want to be someone my nieces and nephews can look up to and model after. They inspire me every day to be the best I can be. The world is brighter because of them, and I hope they know that. I wish the best for my nephews and nieces. I wish I could protect them from harm and promise them only the best things in life. They deserve the very best, and I hope God sends only joy their way. I am incredibly thankful they are in my life and that life went down this path. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
