I remember when I got the news your parents were on their way to the hospital to welcome you into the world. I feel like it was just a few years ago when you took your first steps, and it seems like it was last year you were in kindergarten. I swear it was last week you started middle school, and just yesterday when you told me about your first crush. Where did the days go?

Now, it’s your time to add another year to your wonderful life, and another year you have added wonders into my life.

You are growing up to be a beautiful, young woman right before my eyes and I’m so proud of the amazing human being you have become. That’s also what I was told when I grew up and I just brushed it off because, at that time, it seemed like that’s what an adult was supposed to tell a kid who was growing up. Now that I am the adult, I see what they meant and I understand how they felt. You are growing up to be an amazing person.

You have seen love and you have seen pain, probably way earlier than you should have. Every human goes through hard times and you certainly have had your fair share. Thankfully, not only are you strong but you are surrounded by so many family members and friends who will always love and support you. If you ever feel alone, please know that you absolutely are not.

When you need someone to talk to late at night or early in the morning, I’m a call away. When you get your first boyfriend and endure your first heartbreak, I’m here for you (with a tube full of mint and chip ice cream.) When that one friend you thought would never hurt you hurts you, I’m here for you. When you graduate from high school, I’ll be cheering for you. When you can’t decide which college to attend, I’ll help you. Whenever you need clothing, boy, family, friend, or life advice, I got you. I’ll always be here for you. No matter what life throws your way, you can always count on me.

The number on the scale and the size stitched on your pants will never define who you are, so I hope you know how beautiful you are — inside and out. If you ever forget, I will always be here to remind you. God has really blessed me with a wonderful niece. You may be getting too old to play hide-and-seek or dance in the dark with me, but you will always be my niece, and I am so lucky to always be your aunt.

I love you.