As a child, I dreamed about having children of my own. Children who I could raise, guide, teach and have fun with. Children that I could impart some knowledge to and create amazing memories with. Children that I could cheer for at their events and cry as they hit their major milestones.
Well, as life went on, I learned that I was not going to be able to have children of my own. A part of me was broken by this. The other part knew that there were five amazing kids whom I could do all of those things with — they just didn’t live in my home full-time. But having five nephews is the best thing ever!
I get to be a part of every facet of their lives. I can spend as much time with them as I am able to. This past spring into summer I was able to watch three of those boys play baseball with one of them winning the championship. I cheered so loudly for them. I wiped their tears when they cried. I told them to pay attention to their coaches and not to pout around. I also got to take them for ice cream after the games once in awhile.
These boys light up my life. They are always so happy to see me and nearly run me over with hugs. The younger four are from ages 5-11. I know that at some point they will not be like this, so I treasure this time and hold it in my heart. I have not always been a great aunt, it took time to learn with the 17 year old because I was a different person back then. Ryan has changed so much in the last year. He is a senior this year and has finally found his passion. I look forward to watching him do his best this year and get into the fire science program. Dylan is my 11 year old and I have had a connection with him since day one. He was born during my last year of nursing school. He was also the first little leaguer and loves hanging out with me and my dad. Cody is my classic middle child at age 9 and is so hilarious. He will say things in different voice tones that make me spit water out of my mouth. Kyle, my 7 year old, is the craziest one of all of them. He loves to run around and play with his brothers. But he also loves to hug on me. Aiden is the youngest and the most loving of them all. When he was 4 ½ months old, my mom died and he was rubbing my back when I cried as I held him. He still loves hugging on me.
As you can see, these boys mean the world to me. I love them just as if I had them myself. I thank God every day for the opportunity and privilege to be a part of their lives. I am also thankful for the other children that God has put into my life that I have been able to watch them grow up and become amazing people. I am also thankful to be an aunt-type to my friends’ children and the children of my church. It is a huge blessing and calling and it is one I take seriously and with great care. I will spend everyday for the rest of my life teaching them about God’s love and showing my love for them.
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Gina Fox is a wife, mom to 2 fur babies and aunt to 5 boys who lives in North Canton, OH. She loves to write, teach and have endless conversations about movies and music. Her IG is @gfox2010. Her blog is ginafox79.wordpress.com.
