To My Nephew, 5 Wishes For You On Your Birthday | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

To My Nephew, 5 Wishes For You On Your Birthday

I love you with all my heart.

4051
To My Nephew, 5 Wishes For You On Your Birthday
Shyanne Reynolds

Easton,

It feels like it was yesterday that your mom was carrying around a big belly, craving dill-pickle popcorn, and worrying that the swelling in her nose would be permanent. However, it has been five years since I opened my phone to see pictures of your tiny face for the first time. That day, I rushed to the hospital after practice, and my world was changed forever when you were placed in my arms.

You were small, you were warm... honestly, you kind of looked like a little red potato, but you were perfect. You wrapped your tiny fingers around my thumb and nestled into my heart forever. It has been a privilege and an honor watching you grow and learn the last five years.

You truly are my favorite person in the world, and I will always be here for you when you need me. I wish I could stop time, or at least slow it down, so you could stay my sweet little man just a little bit longer, because, with every kiss, every game of hide and seek, and every hand-hold as we walk across the street I hold my breath hoping it is not the last. Yet, I know this simply cannot be. You must grow older, embrace the world, and experience life, and I will watch you with a proud smile on my face (and maybe a tear in my eye). However, on the day you turn five, I give these five wishes to you.

1. I hope you never lose your love for learning.

I will never grow tired of reading books with you (even when we’ve read the same one five times in a row), and I hope you never stray from asking questions and wanting to understand how the world works. Never be embarrassed or ashamed to love something openly, to ask for help when you do not understand, and to display passion when it is felt.

2. I hope you stay kind.

Every spontaneous hug, unexpected giggle, and prolonged cuddle makes my day and puts a bright smile on my face. I hope the world does not rob you of your kindness and that you remain soft in the face of adversity. Please, do not let the trials of life turn you cold. Continue to treat others how you wish to be treated. Never forget that a small compliment can go a long way, because every unexpected, “Shy, you look so pretty,” and “Mommy, I love you” can make even the worst of times better.

3. I hope you go out on your own but never stray far from home.

Leaving home is part of life. It’s inevitable, but that doesn’t mean it hurts any less. I hope you go off, see the world, and have great adventures, but always come back home. Don’t forget the ones that love you, and please never get too old to hold my hand as we cross the street.

4. I hope you never lose your laughter.

I hope as you grow you never forget to be silly. Find the humor in the little things, and you’ll always have happiness. I hope you hold on to it. Cherish it. Always share it with others. Use it to make the world a better place, because happiness truly is infectious.

5. I hope you always feel loved.

You bring happiness to us all, and I hope that no matter what life brings, no matter how tough things get, or how lost you may feel, you never forget that your family will always love you. Know that we are always just a phone call or car ride away and will be there when you need us.

I hope you have the happiest of birthdays and know that I am always thinking of you. Today, you are five, and in the blink of an eye, you’ll be an adult. You’ll go away, have your own life, and your own adventures, but just know that no matter what, you’ll always be my little man.

I love you with all my heart,

Aunt Shy

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Drake
Hypetrak

1. Nails done hair done everything did / Oh you fancy huh

You're pretty much feeling yourself. New haircut, clothes, shoes, everything. New year, new you, right? You're ready for this semester to kick off.

Keep Reading...Show less
7 Ways to Make Your Language More Transgender and Nonbinary Inclusive

With more people becoming aware of transgender and non-binary people, there have been a lot of questions circulating online and elsewhere about how to be more inclusive. Language is very important in making a space safer for trans and non-binary individuals. With language, there is an established and built-in measure of whether a place could be safe or unsafe. If the wrong language is used, the place is unsafe and shows a lack of education on trans and non-binary issues. With the right language and education, there can be more safe spaces for trans and non-binary people to exist without feeling the need to hide their identities or feel threatened for merely existing.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf
Stop Hollywood

For those of you who have watched "Gossip Girl" before (and maybe more than just once), you know how important of a character Blair Waldorf is. Without Blair, the show doesn’t have any substance, scheme, or drama. Although the beginning of the show started off with Blair’s best friend Serena returning from boarding school, there just simply is no plot without Blair. With that being said, Blair’s presence in the show in much more complex than that. Her independent and go-getter ways have set an example for "Gossip Girl" fans since the show started and has not ended even years after the show ended. Blair never needed another person to define who she was and she certainly didn’t need a man to do that for her. When she envisioned a goal, she sought after it, and took it. This is why Blair’s demeanor encompasses strong women like her.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Feelings Anyone Who Loves To Sing Has

Sometimes, we just can't help the feelings we have

1155
singing
Cambio

Singing is something I do all day, every day. It doesn't matter where I am or who's around. If I feel like singing, I'm going to. It's probably annoying sometimes, but I don't care -- I love to sing! If I'm not singing, I'm probably humming, sometimes without even realizing it. So as someone who loves to sing, these are some of the feelings and thoughts I have probably almost every day.

Keep Reading...Show less
success
Degrassi.Wikia

Being a college student is one of the most difficult task known to man. Being able to balance your school life, work life and even a social life is a task of greatness. Here's an ode to some of the small victories that mean a lot to us college students.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments