Dear Baby Sister Turned Aunt to My Babies,
Where do I begin? How about at the beginning? When I was 9 years old, our parents told me that my life was about to change. I honestly don’t think I was ever more excited for something to happen as a kid than I was waiting for you to arrive. Those nine months of waiting felt like years. But finally, there you were. And you changed everything.
I fell in love with you from the moment I saw you, and in so many ways, that hasn’t changed to this day. I carried you around. I took care of you. I taught you things. I begged you to leave us alone when my friends came over. Most of my best childhood memories include you. And now, two decades later, I know that my own children will be able to say the exact same thing about you, which is kind of magical, isn’t it?
Now you are 22 years old
You are a real, actual adult (which still blows my mind sometimes). You have so much to think about, like degree programs, your future career, your friendships, dating, and finding your own path through this life. But somehow, in the midst of all of that, you make time for my kids.
You really see them. You always have. I don’t know a lot of young adults who would choose their family over basically anything, but you are definitely one of those people.
When my kids were born, you were right next to me in the hospital room. You worried for me, held my hand, asked if I needed anything. You have done the ultimate service to me and you maybe don’t even know it.
You have been there for me and — maybe more importantly — for my kids
You were there those days and a million other days besides that one, and I only hope I’ve been there for you in the same way.
I want you to know that you were my first baby. I know I say that to you a lot, but I’ll keep on saying it, because it bears repeating. You need to know how special you are to me, and now how special you are to my kids.
Your niece and nephew are getting to be loved by the baby girl who shook up my life, and they have no idea how lucky they are because of that. Thank you for carrying them, for taking care of them, for teaching them. Being an aunt isn’t necessarily something that one is by default. It’s a choice. And you choose them every single day.
Thank you
It’s no secret that there’s almost a decade between us. We will never do the same things at the same time. I got married 10 years ago. I can’t wait to see who you fall in love with. I got pregnant for the first time eight years ago. I can’t wait to watch you be someone’s mother. Though we are always in different seasons of life at the same time, we are still connected. I have come to believe that real love defies our expectations, pushes us past what we thought our parameters were, and teaches us about ourselves. We may not share clothes or go to college together, but you are, and have always been, one of my very best friends.
Thank you for being my sister, my friend. Thank you for being my children’s aunt, my children’s friend. Thank you for choosing us.
