They say it takes a village to raise children, but I’m convinced it only takes a small, strong group of people who really, really care. Enter: sisters. I have three of them myself — and some other very special women who play the role of aunt to my children so beautifully.
As a stay-at-home mom of a toddler and preschooler without a huge crowd helping my family, I am so grateful for those who do appear. My children’s aunts are some of their favorite people and I don’t know what I would do without their presence in our lives. So to my sisters and all sisters — and women alike — showing up, this one’s for you.
Introduce and engage aunts, uncles and “aunties” everywhere: Thank you
Dear Sisters (And others who act as such),
It goes without saying that you love my babies like your own, yet you make sure to say it anyway. Even more, you never fail to show it. You never fail demonstration up. For my children – and for me. When the rest of the world feels like an alien entity on this crazy journey of tiny humans, you’re there. And it means more than you’ll ever know. It means the world.
It goes without saying that we’re family, whether by blood or choice, but I’ll say it anyway: I would choose you, over and over again, to be my children’s aunts. These they would choose you, again and again, to be their aunt. Because we know you’d choose them. You always have, over and over and over. And that is a greater gift than any material object.
It goes without saying that I can’t do this whole baby-raising thing alone. Motherhood was not meant to be played as a solo act. it was meant to be a community effort. While I’ve certainly tried many times to handle it all without help, you’ve always stepped in to remind me that I don’t have to. You always came in and reminded me that you are there — and you will always move mountains to actually be there. To be here. For me, for my babies, for my family.
It goes without saying that I need support as do my children. After all, how can one fulfill the endless duties that come with the title of “mom” without looking out for her? How could I ever make the countless, weighted decisions I face every day without a little encouragement along the way? Sure, I’d find a way, but I’m so glad I don’t have to. Because me know I can reach out to you. For wisdom, for inspiration, for companionship. For a comforting shot when I’ve given it all I’ve got.
It goes without saying that my son and daughter think you hung the moon and stars, but I’ll say it anyway: sometimes, I think they like you more than I do. And I’m okay with that because it means I never have to worry about them being alone. If something happens to me, they common i am alone They will ask you to reach out for the sense of genuine understanding and intimacy that only someone very, very special – like an aunt – could provide. For love, for hugs, for guidance.
Of course my children live for your visits. Whether in person or via Facetime, they are happy to see you. For the chance to catch up, to play, to laugh. The chance to show off their somersaults and fastest ballet turns. The chance to relax over a good children’s book (or 20+, God bless you). And the chance to just be themselves – and be seen for the amazing beings they are.
But did you know that I do you live for these visits equally? For a chance to breathe, sit back and enjoy it all. For the chance to enjoy the goodness that comes with knowing that someone else on this planet loves my children almost as much as I do. That someone else is willing to drop everything to lighten our load and that someone else is there for me. For them, for us, forever. Because you are.
And so, my dear sisters, I cannot leave it without saying: Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, from the bottom of my children’s heart and from the bottom of my little family’s heart. Your love is a huge gift that does not go unnoticed – your support, your encouragement, your feeling that we always have our backs. Your presence is felt and we hope you know it. We could not walk this journey without you.
Sincerely,
A grateful sister/friend/cousin-mom of two who think the world of their aunts
PS We love you!
