The Coolest Thing Since 2009 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

The Coolest Thing Since 2009

Why being an aunt is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

12
The Coolest Thing Since 2009
Samantha Hudson

I don't have any children. I mean, I'm glad that the universe hasn't taken it upon itself to provide me with any because, at 22, I'm not prepared. I'm just trying to get my foot in the door for my career, and taking care of other people's children for large amounts of time is daunting enough.

But, I do have a niece. She's 6-years-old, and she has been my world since the day that my sister told me she was pregnant. I'll be the first to admit that I am that person. When I talk to moms, I relate my own experiences with my niece to that of theirs with their children.

I think that one of the reasons that I hold her so close is the fact that I had to wait six weeks to meet her in addition to the nine months before that. My sister had a difficult birth, and I sat in my aunt's upstairs bedroom at midnight waiting to hear that both of them were OK. As I held an open copy of "To Kill A Mockingbird" to my chest before a nine-weeks-test, I held my breath for the confirmation that they were OK.

Since then, I've spent every waking moment praying for this beautiful gift that was given to my family. It's fair to say that she's the glittery glue that holds our family together. Obviously, I take my job as aunt very serious.

I use Pinterest to create boards of activities and recipes that I think that she would enjoy. I'm always on the lookout for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/My Little Pony merch because she's well-versed in her interests, and she doesn't give a damn about your gender roles.

When she's picked on for her overwhelming innocence, I strike mama bear poses that are similar to those of the maternal figures that I have had in my life.

So, if you haven't gathered, I'm an obnoxious aunt. My aunt has always been there for me. When my parents were working or unavailable, she would cart my brother, our friends and I around even when her own free time was limited. I never went without because she was always willing to give even if all she had to give was her time.

Thankfully, I have her and one of my uncles as great inspiration for what family means even when you're not directly responsible for children of your own.

This means that I love my niece unconditionally even when she's begging for my attention when I have tons of deadlines weighing me down. I love having her around even if that means that she loses out on a rare Pokémon when we're playing Pokémon GO or that she makes me late for work because she needed one last hug before I left.

It means that I would use my last few dollars for whatever she may need, give her my last bite of chocolate cake and let her have the comfiest pillow when we snuggle.

As stressful as it is to love and care for someone so wholly, I can say that she is, without a doubt, worth every worrying moment. She's the funniest, most beautiful, most caring individual that I've ever had the privilege of sharing time and space with.

She loves watching old episodes of "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" with me. She likes hot chocolate any month out of the year. She has a strangely adorable fascination with pink cowgirl boots and she likes sprinkles as much as I do.

I'm gonna stop because I could seriously go on and on about how amazing it is to be an aunt to a fantastic tiny human. I can't wait to see the person she grows up to become. My point in telling you all about his magical unicorn is to show you just a few of the wonderful parts about having a child in your life.

Maybe you're not a mother, father, aunt or uncle. Maybe you don't have a desire to be around children at all. If that's the case, then I doubt you made it to this part of the article.

I'm just kidding. You do you, boo. If kids aren't you're thing, then I'm sure you have some pretty cool hobbies.

However, if you do have the chance to be a vital part of a child's life, take every moment in. I know that it sounds cheeky, but she's the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I can't believe the past six years have flown by so quickly.

I beg my sister often, pretty much every other week, to have another baby so that we can start this whole crazy thing over again. She, of course, tells me to have my own, but I'm not holding my breath on that one.

As I sit here typing, I can see this beautiful little person who is as much her own person as she is tiny bits of all of my favorite people, and I can't help but hope that I get a chance to be there for every step that she takes in this world and the next. I hope everyone has the chance to experience a joy like this in one way or another.


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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189920
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14723
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457712
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26554
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments