A LOVE LETTER TO MY NIECES & NEPHEWS
I married your Uncle Jonathan when we were 19. We loved God and each other. Our day was beautiful. I got the dress of my dreams, family & friends came,and I went home with my husband to be his wife.
We’d purchased a little house the month before we got married. Instead of a honeymoon, we settled in together. For the first time, I made a bed for 2 and washed a man’s clothes. I learned to cook in the crock pot – we received 3 as wedding gifts!
Almost right away, we decided we wanted children. We figured things would progress the same way they had for our parents.
As time passed, our friends who married after us were pregnant and we were still hoping.
Eventually, we faced the facts. God said no to our prayers and His plan for us was to love you. We jumped into the joy of loving you with our whole hearts.
We always knew where we belonged in your lives. We were Aunt Joy and Uncle Jonathan. We knew our place in your lives was on the sidelines…so we made ourselves at home there. And it was in that place that God blessed us the most!
When we took you places and people complimented us on our children…you know if I had time I explained I was your aunt…to your embarrassment at times. I didn’t want to give anyone the wrong impression or let any part of our relationship to look like a lie. When I didn’t get a chance to explain I did thank the folks who complimented you because you were good and special and I was so proud you were my nieces and nephews.
Every time one of you came into our lives, God enlarged our hearts. We had no idea we could love so deeply. Each of you gave us something amazing…something no one else could…your love.
When you came to visit, our house was fuller and our hearts overflowed. When you left, we missed you before you were out of the driveway but, knew you were going where you belonged – home.
When you were asleep, I checked on you – and prayed over you. When you were awake I reveled in the wonder of you – every one of you caused me to stop in my tracks over and over again. I spent a lot of time thanking God for blessing our lives with you.
Sometimes I kissed you all over your faces and other times I just threatened and you were instantly better children!
We have laughed with you and cried for you. Life has been full of decisions and some rocky times for you. I cannot tell you how much your sadness grieves our hearts. We have also celebrated…your marriages and now the children you are bringing into the world and our lives.
Two of you went to heaven so soon. We’ve never gotten over this loss. We still weep for them while we rest assured they are with God.
Funny thing about loving all of you…each one of you is our favorite. That’s not something I can explain but it’s our truth.
Beloved Ones…your Uncle Jon and I will love you forever. We brag on you every chance we get because each of you has something unique and positive we can tell others about.
I used to carry pictures of you with me to show off…but in the best interest of my friends and acquaintances I had to stop that. There were 20-some of you to start with. As some of you have married and had children…well, it was getting obnoxious.
You’ve got moms and dads, grandparents, and other aunts and uncles who love you too.
We’re not “it” in your lives. But you need to know…you lit up the darkness of infertility for us with your I love yous, your laughter, and your hugs.
We’ve entered a new phase of life…not only are we no ones parents…we’re no ones grandparents either. We didn’t see this part of it coming. So for those of you sharing your children with us…well, their I love yous, laughter, and hugs are the bright spot in this second part of the journey.
I ain’t your mama and I’ve never let myself contemplate that…but, dear ones…I is your Auntie and it’s one of God’s greatest blessings to me.
