By Jenni Haswell

I just got back from spending the weekend with my incredible family. Last time I saw them was Thanksgiving so this extended three-day weekend was very needed! My family is very close. Sure we have our differences and disagreements, but I don't even know what those are anymore. My sister-in-law isn't even called my sister-in-law. She has been in our family for over 20 years. I'm 30… which means she has seen me grow up. She has seen me go through rough times and joyous times. She was there for high school graduation, my Senior recital in college, and college graduation. We've even had girl weekends with our mom. She is my sister just as much as my brother is my brother. And together, they have blessed me with my only blood related niece and nephew.

When I became an aunt back in 1998 at 14 years old, I held that little girl for the first time and I felt like my heart was outside my body. From ages 13-18 (approximately) I went through a really hard time. There weren't many days in those years that I wanted to continue living. But holding that little girl, gave me a reason to live. Then in 2001 I gained a nephew and again felt like I was holding my own heart. He gave me another reason to keep fighting. I've watched these two kids grow up (now 16 and 13) and I am more in love with them today than the days they were born. My niece is now dating, driving, entering her Junior year of high school, and looking into colleges. My nephew makes me laugh on a regular basis, is getting better grades, and has a heart to help people that amazes me regularly.
 
I am not an aunt that has a lot of money. I can't spoil them with stuff. I can't take them on amazing trips. I live far away, so even spending a lot of time with them is out of the question. But they know I am always there. They can text or call any time and I will answer. If either of them need me home for something, I will do everything I possibly can to be there as quickly as I can. When I do have the extra money, I like spending more than I should on birthdays or Christmas. When I do get to visit home, I just want to see them (and the rest of my family). I have friends from high school to see but I never do. Maybe that makes me a bad friend and there are many times I feel bad for letting some of those friendships slip...but when I'm home, I'm an Aunt. I'm a sister. I'm a daughter. And those are the things I want to spend my time doing.
 
Auntie's Day is not celebrated among my family and friends (although last year I did get text messages from my niece and nephew) but that's okay with me. Auntie's Day to me is a day for reflection. It's a day for me to thank God for the amazing blessings He has given me. Not only with my niece and nephew (and all the honorary ones too) but also with the women in my life that have made me an aunt. My sister and my many friends. It's these relationships and this role of being an Aunt that has made me who I am today. I'm a fighter, an over-comer, a role model, a mentor. I make mistakes, I'm an emotional mess sometimes, but I'm not afraid to show it. I hope my nieces and nephews grow up realizing it's okay not being perfect. It's okay to cry, it's okay to yell, and it's okay to punch a pillow. I hope they also know the importance of hard work, good grades, and loving those around you.

So on July 27, I may get a message or two, but I will spend part of that day doing inventory on my life. Am I living up to the expectation of an aunt? Am I being a good role model? What do I need to change to be better? And what do I need to stop doing? I may even treat myself to some chocolate, a glass of wine, and a bubble bath. This is my day, and I will enjoy it. And hopefully, in the coming year I will be a better aunt than I was this past year. So to all you Aunties out there: This day is yours! Enjoy it however you see fit!

Jenni currently lives in Battle Creek, Michigan. She is an Auntie By Relation to 1 niece and 1 nephew, an Auntie By Choice to 4 nieces, 4 nephews, and many more to come! She has a degree in Music Ministry, was a missionary for 3 years, and serves at her local church. When she's not working, she is either spending time with the kids in her life (whether in person, Facebook, or texting) or enjoying some down time and watching Doctor Who.

Photo: spencerfinnley via Flickr cc
Published: July 14, 2014