you say it takes a village Raising children is a difficult task, but I believe it only takes a small, strong group of people who really care about them. That’s where sisters come in. I have three of them myself – and a few other very special women who play the role of “aunt” to my children so wonderfully.
As a housewife and mother of a toddler and a preschooler without a large group of helpers in the family, I am extremely grateful for those who Do show up. 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 like them – who are showing up, this is for you.
To all aunts, aunts and “aunties” everywhere present and involved: Thank you
Dear sisters (and others who serve in this capacity),
It goes without saying that you love my babies like your own, but you make sure to say it anyway. And what’s more, you show it over and over again. You show it over and over again. show high. For my kids – and for me. When the rest of the world feels like an alien on this crazy journey of raising little humans, you are there. And that means more than you’ll ever know. It means the world.
It goes without saying that we are family, whether by blood or by choice, but I’ll say it anyway: I would choose you as aunts to my children again and again. She would choose you as their aunt again and again. Because we know you would choose her. You have done so over and over again. And that is a greater gift than any material object could ever be.
It goes without saying that I can’t handle the whole parenting thing alone. Motherhood isn’t meant to be a solo effort; it’s meant to be a collaborative effort. While I’ve certainly tried many times to do it all without help, you’ve always stepped in to remind me that I don’t have to. You’ve always stepped in to remind me that you’re there—and will always move mountains to really be there. To be here. For me, for my babies, for my family.
It goes without saying that I need just as much support as my children. Because how can you fulfill the endless responsibilities that come with the title of “mom” without someone to watch over them too? How could I ever make the countless, weighty decisions I have to make every day without a little encouragement along the way? Sure, I would find a way, but I’m so glad I don’t have to. Because I knowledge I can turn to you. For wisdom, for inspiration, for companionship. For comfort when I have given all I have.
It goes without saying that my son and daughter think you have it all hung up, but I’ll say it anyway: Sometimes I think they like you more than me. And that’s okay with me because it means I never have to worry about them being alone. If anything ever happens to me, they will habit alone. They will be able to turn to you for the feeling of genuine understanding and intimacy that only someone special – like an aunt – can provide. For the love, for the hugs, for the guidance.
It goes without saying that my children live for your visits. Whether in person or via Facetime, they are always happy to see you. For the chance to share, to play, to laugh. The chance to show off their newly learned somersaults and fastest ballet pirouettes. The chance to curl up with 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 I live for these visits just as much? For the chance to take a deep breath, sit back and take it all in. For the chance to enjoy the good that comes with knowing that there is someone else on this planet who loves my children almost as much as I do. That there is someone else who is willing to drop everything to lighten our load, and that there is someone else who is there for me. For them, for us, forever. Because that is you.
And that is why, my dear sisters, I cannot leave it without saying: Thanks. From the bottom of my heart, from the bottom of my children’s hearts, and from the bottom of my little family’s hearts. Your love is a tremendous gift that does not go unnoticed – your support, your encouragement, your “we are always here for you” sentiment. We feel your presence and we hope you know that. We could not walk this path without you.
Sincerely,
A grateful sister/friend/cousin who became a mother of two children who cherish their aunts above all else
PS: We love you!
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