Dana Gutkowski
Latest posts by Dana Gutkowski (see all)
- How can I be a good aunt? - May 19, 2021
- Aunt Quotes - March 19, 2021
- End Your Silence. Support Black Lives Matter - June 29, 2020
Dear Lola, Layla, Jayden, and Julian,
It’s Thanksgiving. It’s the time of year when we gather around the table to fill our plates and stuff our bellies until they ache in pain. Yet we still contemplate taking another helping of stuffing. Why?! Don’t do it! And although I am thankful for the spread of food that’s placed before me, the huge effort it takes to feed and entertain a group of particularly fussy eaters, and that we have a roof over heads to enjoy it, I don’t look forward to the meal itself (sorry Aunt Claire). For me, it’s an excuse to see you guys. My life is better now that I’m your Aunt.
“I am grateful for being an Aunt to Lola, Layla, Jayden, and Julian. I love you. I’m so happy you’re such a large part of my life.”
Every night, I lay my head on my pillow, close my eyes, and reflect on everything that I am thankful for. And every night I say, “I am grateful for being an Aunt to Lola, Layla, Jayden, and Julian. I love you. I’m so happy you’re such a large part of my life.” From the bottom of my heart to the moon and back, when you’re sweet angels, and when you’re devils in disguise, my love for you is everlasting. Thank you for loving me back.
Having you in my life forces me to begrudgingly admit that I’m an adult while simultaneously reliving my childhood. You bring out the best in me, not because of what you do, but because of how you make me feel. I like the person that I am when you’re near me. My nurturing qualities kick into high gear. My playful and imaginative sides are woken up. I feel light again. Somehow my mind gets to take a break from thinking about adult things. I don’t pay much attention to the dirty dishes in the sink, the amount of gas in my tank, or whether I’m running low on toilet paper. When you guys are around, none of that matters. Actually, the toilet paper does, but I always stock up before you come to visit. You allow me to take a vacation from being an adult and live freely like a child again. I never knew the value of that until you were all born. But now I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life. Thank you for teaching me this valuable lesson.
I know time will inevitably turn you all into adults, and my role as your Aunt will evolve as you mature. I want you all to know that no matter your age, I’ll always play with you, my arms will never grow tired of your hugs, your tears will never bother my shoulder, and my door is always open for a visit from you. Thank you for making my life fuller. I love you.
Love Always,
Bitay
a/k/a Aunt Da Da
a/k/a Aunt Dana
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This is so heartwarming, I would love to write something similar to my nieces one day when they are old enough, so they know how much i love them x
Oh this is just so lovely. I am also close with my aunt and I love to see other people having these loving familial relationships.
This is so beautifully written! My brother and SIL don’t have children of their own, but they are my girls’ favorite (after my husband and I, haha). I love seeing their faces light up when they visit! Being an Aunt/Uncle is truly special!
Dana, I love your love letter! What a blessing these children are to have you in their life. Love breeds love, gratitude breeds more gratitude!! As an auntie of 21 nieces and nephews, I understand what a huge blessing these children are and celebrate is Love with you!!
WOW! 21! Good now that’s amazing! You definitely can understand the love between and Aunt and niblings.
Oh these words warmed my heart this morning, it is just lovely to see such love shining through as an Aunt. It really is a special relationship to have
Thank you so much Elizabeth. I’m so happy to hear my words resonated with you.
This post made me so teary eyed! I absolutely adore this post, and it must mean so much to your nieces and nephews that they have an aunt so overflowing with love for them. <3
Awww thank you so much. Yes they truly do mean the world to me. I’m so happy I have them.
Touching words, I love it! It’s true like you said, when it comes to some special older people in our lives, we tend to be adults reliving their childhood.
Awe, this is so precious. Being an Aunt has been one of the most rewarding roles I’ve ever had. I just adore my nephews!
This is so sweet! We do have so much to be grateful for and I think it’s awesome that you have such a close relationship with your nieces and nephews.
Thank you so much Lisa.