To My Nieces And Nephew, Who Taught Me Love
Start writing a post
Relationships

To My Nieces And Nephew, Who Taught Me Love

I learned to love because of you.

913
https://www.pexels.com/photo/baby-holding-human-finger-225744/

When I was 11 years old, there was no part of me that thought I could even begin to love in the deepest form possible. I thought that love was reserved for the person you marry, or the children you might grow up to have. Looking back, I laugh at my naivety in believing that love is 'reserved' for people.

While yes, I love my parents and my family with my whole heart, it wasn't until I held my first niece in my arms that I loved with my entire being. I didn't know what to expect when my dad was driving me to meet my niece for the first time on December 23rd. I was only 11, being an aunt wasn't something I had ever truly thought about so young.

Holding my niece in my arms that day, I didn't care what being an aunt was supposed to entail, all I cared about was making sure that the little girl I was looking down at grew up knowing she is so immensely loved.

My second niece was born in 2013. I have to admit, and I feel that I can now, that I was scared to have a second niece. What if we didn't connect? What if it felt different watching her grow up, like we weren't as close? What if I couldn't love her the way I so immediately loved my first niece?

As I walked into the hospital room, I remember those being some of my last thoughts before I saw her. All of those completely idiotic thoughts melted away when I saw her. I thought my heart was going to feel like it was divided into sections for these two girls, but what I realized in that moment is that I had two hearts. However, unlike the one inside my body, these two little girls were the physical embodiment of what keeps me alive.

So here I was, for the third time, going to the hospital awaiting to see if my sister had given birth to another girl or maybe this time a boy. "It's a boy!" was the first exhilarating thought I had when I found out. "Oh no, it's a boy!" was the second. "I don't know a single thing about boys!" was the third. And then I held him. I don't know why I still had doubts, because the third times the charm right? But I was still terrified that I wouldn't be able to love more.

I remember the day distinctly that my sister and her kids were spending the night. My nephew was still only months old, and as my mom and sister were getting my nieces ready for bed, I was told to keep my nephew occupied. Up until this point, while I loved my nephew enormously, we hadn't connected, and I was terrified we never would. I took him into my room, and we sat down in front of my mirror, and as I made faces at him, he laughed at my reflection. It was in that exact moment, that I grew a third heart indefinitely, because my nephew and I had bonded in a way that we had been missing.

To this day, with a seven year old niece, five year old niece, and two year old nephew, I can honestly say that I have learned to love deeper than the deepest love imaginable. I have learned to love with my heart outside of my body, something I didn't even know was possible, but also something I would not change in another world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

86108
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

52001
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments