A few weeks ago I was talking with my eldest sister Sabina when she mentioned that her daughter Brecklyn (my teenage niece) had mentioned that she felt like she had “lost” her aunts. “They get married and have kids and just get tired, and aren’t fun anymore.” I loved being a single Aunt. I loved that I could fly in and devote all my time and attention to my sibling’s kids. Then I loved being a married Aunt with no children. Tom and I thrilled at having our nieces and nephews come visit and getting to take them to magical places and treat them to delightful experiences. Then I had children, and I don’t think much about being an Aunt anymore. Brecklyn’s comment really struck me and I felt this incredible desire to reverse my trend. I want to be a fun Aunt! I still want to make memories with my nieces and nephews. I want to be the Aunt who joins in on the water fight, who sleeps outside on the tramp, who’s home is always a desired vacation spot.

I’m going to see ALL of my family this weekend- my brother’s getting married. I’m so excited about it. But my family’s get-togethers poise some definite challenges. For one my family is huge. Eight children and almost twenty grandkids make for lots of people to reconnect with and spend time with. The logistics of housing and feeding that many people, also, often results in stress and fatigue. That being said, I am determined to not let it get me down. It’s awkward to post this here, as all of my family follows this blog. But I’m hopeful that if I commit publicly, I won’t be so likely to throw aside my resolve!
Brecklyn, I’m sorry I’ve been an absentee aunt the last few years, but I promise, I’m back!