Dear niece, I hope you know.....

 Dear niece,

I hope you know. I hope you know what you mean and always will mean to me.  The very early morning that you were born was the beginning of one of the best days of my life. You were the first one to teach me unconditional love (for a human…. you know I had that for dogs). You lit up the world with your adorable smile right from the start.  When I was finally allowed (minor passing out incident right after you were born) to hold you after a quick sleep, I knew. I knew you would be my little buddy for the rest of my life. I knew that no matter what, you would always hold a special place in my heart. I would visit you every chance I had, any excuse to go spend time with you.  I jumped at a chance to babysit you for one day during the week once your mom and dad had to go back to work. You were my little sidekick on those special days.  

You had two years of being the only one until you had to share the spotlight with your cousin, and you did that beautifully.  You were a wonderful big cousin even at the age of two. You helped by getting diapers and wipes for explosive baby poops and helped feed little D whenever you were able to.  Even though you seemed to transition to this new role easily it still hurt my heart to take away that special time between you and me.  I took advantage of any chance to take you outside alone when someone else was over and could spend time with the baby. I can still remember your toddler giggles on the swing and the way you called me, “TT”.  Those years seemed to fly with even more additions to the family. 

Before we knew it, here we are.  You're beginning your pre-teen years but still have that amazing voice that says, “TT” and the innocent eyes you have always had.  I see you. I see you staying young with your little cousins and sister but knowing soon you’ll be bored of their antics and ready to spend most of your time with you friends. I hope. I hope I have held you close enough that you will still want to come to TT’s house to paint, draw, craft or throw an impromptu Harry Potter party.  I hope you know I am always here for you, no matter what.  When your parents are being hard a**es, I will be here. I will agree with them, I am sure, but I will still comfort you- a perk of being an aunt. I hope you know to come to me, ALWAYS. Those teen years are hard, believe me, I had my share of growing pains (emotionally not physically) so I will understand, I promise.  In your teen years, you may do things to drive me nuts, but I will be laughing in the back of my head, because I know it will be okay. 

Your future is so bright. You are caring, kind and know when to speak up. Always use that strong voice when you need to. Stay true to your amazing self and you will do beautiful things in this world. You will be an amazing force in a world that needs you so badly.  

I hope you know. I hope you know all of this and remember it in the upcoming years. 

Love, 

TT