October 5^th, 2005 my identity changed. I may have only been 8, but something inside of me changed for the rest of my life. On that day, for better or worse, I became an aunt. I can now say that without any hesitation that it was for the better, I am better, because of the three handsome little men who call me Auntie. This is for those boys –

To my nephews,

Please stop getting bigger.

Even though I am blessed enough to live in the same town as the three of you, I feel like you get bigger every time I see you. I know that without a doubt that you will all be as tall as me, if not taller, but for now, I need you to stay as little as you can. I don’t know what I will do when the day comes when I cannot physically pick you up after you fall or cradle you on the couch while we watch whatever cartoon you are obsessed with this month.

One day you are going to break hearts.

I am be biased but I think you are the three most handsome boys alive. I nearly tear up every time one of you share one of your smiles with me and as you are getting older and starting to go to school, I know that little girls are going to chase you like no other at recess, but at least for now, save those breath taking smiles for your mama and your aunties, because someday there will be a woman in your life who is more important than us and she’ll be a pretty lucky lady, but one day she’ll be my niece so I guess I can share.

Please know that I am always here, even when I’m not.

So what if I have school and work but you just finished a track meet and want ice cream? Call me. So what if it’s a Thursday after school and you need some help with your chemistry homework (which is not your parents’ forte)? Call me. So what if you are in high school and make a mistake and do not want to call your parents? Call me. I will always be there for you, even when I am not. I will never be more than a call away for the big things or the little things. It would be hard to find something that is more important to me than you boys are, so call. I promise I will make time.

You make me proud always.

There has never been a day, since the moment you were born, when I wasn’t overflowing with pride and admiration. I don’t think there will ever be a day when I am not. From the first time you said my name to learning how to swim underwater (like Sonic, one of my nephews once informed me), every milestone, big or small, has captivated me. I am your biggest fan, so keep on being rock stars, because I am not done cheering for you.

I will always be your aunt.

I am going to be a lot of things in this life. I am a sister and a daughter. You guys made me an aunt. Someday I’ll be a wife and a mother. Just remember, no matter how many hats I wear, my aunt hat will always be one of my favorites. It is fun and light, so never hesitate to ask me to wear it for a minute, even if I have 7 other hats on. Just remember to have your nephew hats on too.

I love you all with all of my heart. No matter how many more nephew or nieces (God willing) I have some day, I will always love you guys the same and you’ll always be my guys.

Love, Your Aunt