A Letter to My Sisters: Thank You for Being the Best Aunts

They say it takes a village to raise children, but I’m convinced it only takes a small, strong band of people who really, truly care. Enter: sisters. I have three of them myself — and a few other very special women who play the “aunt” role to my children so beautifully.

As a stay-at-home mom of a toddler and a preschooler without a huge hands-on crowd helping my family, I’m beyond grateful for the ones who do show up. My kids’ aunts are some of their favorite people, and I don’t know what I’d do without their presence in our lives. So, to my sisters and all sisters — and women of the like — who show up, this one’s for you.

To Present and Involved Aunts, Aunties, and “Aunts” Everywhere: Thank You

Dear Sisters (And Others Who Act as Such),

It goes without saying that you love my babies like your own, yet you make sure to say it anyway. Even more, you never fail to show it. You never fail to show up. For my kids — and for me. When the rest of the world feels like a foreign entity along this crazy, raising-tiny-humans journey, you’re there. And it means more than you’ll ever know. It means the world.

It goes without saying that we’re family, whether by blood or by choice, but I’ll say it anyway: I’d choose you, again and again, to be my children’s aunts. They would choose you, again and again, to be their aunts. Because we know you’d choose them. You always have, over and over and over again. And that’s a greater gift than any material item ever could be.

It goes without saying that I can’t do this whole bringing-up-babies thing alone. Motherhood wasn’t meant to be performed as a solo act; it was meant to be a community endeavor. Though I’ve certainly tried many times to handle it all without help, you’ve always swooped in to remind me that I don’t have to. You’ve always stepped in and reminded me you’re there — and will always move mountains to truly be there. To be here. For me, for my babies, for my family.

It goes without saying that I need support just as much as my children do. After all, how can one fulfill the endless duties that come with the title of “Mom” without someone looking out for her, too? How could I ever make the countless, weighted decisions I face daily without a bit of encouragement along the way? Sure, I’d find a way, but I’m so glad I don’t have to. Because I know I can turn to you. For wisdom, for inspiration, for camaraderie. For a comforting take when I’ve given all I’ve got.

It goes without saying that my son and daughter think you hung the moon and stars, but I’ll say it anyway: sometimes, I think they like you more than me. And I’m okay with that because it means I never have to worry about them being alone. Should something ever happen to me, they won’t be alone. They’ll have you to turn to for the feeling of genuine understanding and familiarity only someone very, very special — like an aunt — could offer. 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’re ever-elated to see you. For the chance to catch up, to play, to laugh. The chance to show off their newly mastered somersaults and fastest ballet twirls. The chance to cozy up for a good children’s book (or 20+, God bless you). And the chance to simply be themselves — and be seen for the amazing beings they are.

Did you know, though, that I live for those visits equally as much? For the chance to breathe, sit back, and soak it all in. For the chance to relish in the goodness that comes with knowing someone else on this planet loves my children almost as much as I do. That someone else is willing to drop everything to lighten our load and that someone else is there for me. For them, for us, forever. Because you are.

And so, my dear sisters, I cannot let it go without saying: thank you. From the bottom of my heart, from the bottom of my children’s hearts, and from the bottom of my little family’s heart. Your love is an enormous gift that doesn’t go unnoticed — your support, your encouragement, your always-have-our-back sentiment. Your presence is felt, and we hope you know it. We couldn’t walk this journey without you.

Sincerely,

A Grateful Sister/Friend/Cousin-Turned-Mama of Two Kiddos Who Think the Whole World of Their Aunts

P.S. We love you!