In this blog series, letters I am writing to people who have changed my life for the better in their own unique way. Thanks for joining with me. See last week's post here.
Dear Grace,
It is amazing to me that I have known you your entire life. I met you the day you were born, and have seen you grow up over the past two years in the most amazing ways. Every time I visit you've grown by leaps and bounds, and every once in awhile I look back over my pictures in awe of how big you've become. I've held you when you were too small to lift your head, but the last time I visited you were making sentences with words. You are incredible.
You changed my life because you were the little girl who made me an aunt. Now you have a younger brother, and I have another week-old niece to dote on and watch grow. But you were always there first. I remember a time before you were born when I made it out of Target without running into the girls' clothing section. I remember when Christmas wasn't quite as exciting after our family got older and so much of the magic was gone.
You have brought the magic back in Christmas, and so many other things. Going anywhere is an adventure with you. Outside, you point in amazement at the things around you that for me have become so mundane. Inside, you are finding new places to explore and climb that I never would have envisioned. Your imagination creates worlds around you where your little red kitchen makes real food, Mrs. Potts can actually pour tea, and the neighbors come outside just to see you.
Before having kids of our own, I never thought I would get to experience what it is like to have my heart walk outside my body, but you have pretty much stolen it. I'm sure the way I love my children will be different but until then, you (and your brother/cousin) are all I have. I'm not in any way a mushy person, so I was shocked at how quickly tears sprang to my eyes the first time you said, "I love you Mawia." It's not the first time you made me cry, either - when I had to leave in the middle of a storm and you looked out the window the next time it snowed and said, "Bye bye Mawia."
So in short, you've changed my life and you don't even know it. I love you more than I knew I could, and you hold the most precious place in my life. I look forward to each time I get to see you and all the ways you will grow over the years. But please, as you grow, never lose your imagination, your funny little laugh, or your mischievous spirit. Because those are just a few reasons I love you with all my heart.
Love,
Aunt Maria
