Right place & auntyhood
My whole heart is bursting! I just spent two whole days with my niece (by choice). It has me deeply reflecting on the role of aunties in communities.
Growing up, I had lots of aunties. I loved being doted on and seen through the eyes of different people. Since moving provinces, I’ve noticed that I miss the intimacy of being among familial community that existed in this way. I didn’t know I secretly longed for this, till I was anticipating Rosie’s visit.
When I went to my brother’s wedding 5 years ago, I had a sweet encounter with an aunty. It took her a minute to recognize me because it had been a while since our last visit. She was able to reflect the changes she saw me with tenderness, pride and happiness. She celebrated me in that moment, in a way that I didn’t know I needed and I will always cherish that.
When I see Rosie and the little person she inhabits, it brings me joy. We play together and when I am silly with her, she says “Silly Masi”. When she is bubbling with joy because we are doing something fun, she will declare “ I really love you, Masi”. I love the way she expresses herself and her parents have taught her so well, how to do this.
She joins me in drawing her dreams in the morning, speaking to the river, and listening to stories of my aunties as I massage her little toes.
We read three books together before she goes to bed and when the lights are turned off, she will ask me to tell her a story of my own. This is my favorite part, because I don’t know the story that would come through me. I am usually listening for my ancestors to guide here, which they do lovingly!
I sent my aunty Sheila a message recently letting her know just how much I value her and thanking her for the memories we’ve made together. She reflected on the unconditional love of her own aunties that she misses and loves so much. She was grateful for my message that meant the world to her and would forever treasure our precious moments.
I wholeheartedly welcome holding joy to witness Rosie and ( my 3 other nieces and nephew) grow and inhabit their right place in this world. I am holding in my heart what it means to be ushered into the responsibilities of this aunty role. I feel so grateful to be part of these little humans’s lives.
