The Auntie code!!

“Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.”.

People say that having a child teaches you many lessons about life, love, and what it truly means to be human. But even if you don’t have one of your own, being an aunt can also teach you many valuable things.

When you are in the company of your niece or nephew, you see the world through the lens of innocence. Everything seems wondrous and interesting. And when you hold them and they’re smiling and giggling at you, it feels like the most amazing thing that has ever happened to you.

I had to be at my cousin's at 6 am one morning to baby-sit my 3 yr old niece and 7 yr old nephew; although groggy-filled, it was truly a delight. My cousin's wife, had to head to the doctors that morning, so as her dear friend and my most favorite relative for all intents and purposes, I volunteered to take care of the kids for a change for a couple of hours. In all honesty, from the moment I spent snuggling with them in bed to wake them up to getting them washed up, teeth brushed and whipping up their breakfast, I realized how much love I was getting from these beautiful snuggle-bugs in just those few moments.

Let me say that I am constantly loved beyond words. Neither time nor distance can ever diminish that. Their smiles, their giggles, their hugs, and their little voices calling me "Janet Auntie" are among my top favorite things in this world.

Life, like love, is one of the most painful, trying, yet beautiful gifts one could ever receive. I have been through my share of ups and downs-I have shed a lot of tears and continue to endure many new scars. I press on every day, even when I am consumed by fear, doubt, or grief, because life is precious and we only get one; nothing worth having will ever be handed to you; and refusing to settle for “good enough” is a controversial and daily choice.

However, I want to live this example for them so that they grow up knowing that they can look to me for guidance, experience, and support at every step of their own exploring journey. Even when my personal journey creates distance, I want to always be in their corner and loving them every second. I look forward to seeing the unique path and adventure their hearts leads them on one day, and hope they always have the courage to follow it.

For now, the simplest things I get to share with them brings me tremendous joy. I relish the time we get to play with toys, read books, sing songs, and come up with silly games that makes us giggle. I cherish the peaceful moments of watching them sleep or the rewarding ones where I can turn their frown into a smile. When I discipline them and have to see them upset, it’s the worst feeling, but I am doing it to make them strong and build their character. When they hurt themselves and they cry, I want to cry along with them because I feel their pain as my own. I want to always be there and hope to be there to dry their tears, comfort their hurt, and support their growth into strong, caring, and independent people.

I hope as they age that they know they can come to me about anything. There will be times when they think no one understands them or cares how they feel…I pray that they read this and remember that simply isn’t the case. When mom and dad can’t be their ear, I am eagerly awaiting to lend mine. When friends hurt them, I am there to defend and uplift them. When they experience disappointment, I am there to encourage them. When their heart gets broken (and it will…many times), I am there to remind them how much they are loved and hold their hand through the pain and healing that follows.

I might not make every soccer game or recital. I may not be there to share in every special moment or “first”; but I promise them that I will be pouring over pictures, talking proudly of them to everyone who will listen, and asking for every detail from those who got to be. I'm their personal cheerleader, I am their unwavering fan, and above all, I am their most loving Aunt.

If you are an aunt and don’t have children, I hope you know how important and valuable you are.

You may not have children, whether that be by choice or by circumstance, but there are little ones who you can still give your love, hugs, and joy to.

For a change, you get to put someone else’s needs above your own.

If you are a child-free aunt, this world is your canvas. Paint it as you see fit and enjoy this amazing space you get to live in, because, once again, you matter. And everything you are and all that you do makes a difference. I raise my glass to all the aunts and salute you.......Cheers.

#open-life

#dayinthelifeofanaunt

#auntyhood

#snigglesngiggles