To my dearest unborn niece,

It's been 20 weeks since I learned about your existence. Its been 20 weeks since your mom FaceTimed me at 9:45 am and nodded at me, indicating that the home pregnancy test she had just taken was positive. We sat on FaceTime together crying for a few minutes, both ecstatic that despite you being a mere few centimeters big, you existed.

Your mom asked me that day whether I thought you were a girl or a boy. Without missing a beat, my gut screamed that I would have a niece, and your mom agreed with me. And then, on July 16, your mom found out that we had both been right, and that you, Miss Ellie Mae, would be her daughter and my niece.

The closer you entering this world comes, the more I realize there is so much that I want for you. I want the obvious things for you. I want you to live a good life (which because I know your mom and dad, I already know you will). I want you to be happy. I want you to laugh as loudly as possible, as often as possible. I want your individuality to shine through. I want you to have a passion and zest for life, just like your mom. I want you to also be logical and realistic, just like your dad. I want to share music with you, just as I do with both your parents. Between us, I hope you get your dads alcohol tolerance. I hope you get both of their spirits for adventure. I want to protect you from the heartbreak this world will inevitably bring you, just like I did with your mom. I want you to find a partner who treats you right, just like your dad treats your mom.

But the most important thing I want for you is very specific.

I want you to find a best friend like your mom.

No, I'm serious, hear me out. If you're reading this, you're probably older, and you're probably butting heads with your mom at this point, like a lot of young girls do. But I mean it. Find a best friend like your mom.

I met your mom on the second day of our freshman year of high school. Six years prior to the day I am writing this. And here I am, writing a letter to her daughter. Your mom has been my biggest rock over that time. It's weird to refer to her as a mom since I remember her still as my 16-year-old attached buddy hip that I always had to look out for and take care of.

Find a friend like your mom who will stick with you. Find a friend like your mom who will hold you while you cry. Find a friend like your mom who will encourage your growth endlessly. Find a friend like your mom who will tell you how beautiful you are. Find a friend like your mom who will make sure you know how loved and appreciated you are. Find a friend just like your mom who will push your inner goddess out. Find a friend like your mom who never stops being your person. Find a friend who is your person, just like your mom is for me, and always has been for me.

I want you to have the best times and the most happiness possible in your life. And I want you to find a best friend who makes all that possible, and who makes the dark times just a little easier, just like your mom has for me.

My dear niece, this world is yours. I want you to have it.

Sincerely,

Your beloved Auntie Em