Aunties

I have five amazing ladies I get to call Auntie.  Three on my mom's side and two on my dad's.  I cannot say enough about how blessed on I am to have each of them in my life.

However, I never got to meet my paternal grandmother, as Jesus called her Home before I was born.  So it was through watching and listening to my dad's sisters, Auntie Julie and Auntie Elaine, that I was able to piece together what my grandma might have been like.  And if my aunties are anything like their mom , I have to assume that when I get to heaven, I will get to meet one amazing grandma.  Because one would be hard pressed to find two more kind-hearted, down to earth, generous and hard working ladies.

They are the kind of aunties that sneak you a can of Dew in your coat pocket when mom isn't looking.  The kind who without fail, mails your birthday card and your children's birthday cards.  The kind who gives really great bear hugs.  The kind who asks questions and then listens intently to your entire answers.  The kind who pray for you because they are thinking about you.
...you know, that awesome kind of auntie I hope to be someday.
 
Well today in the mail, Cutter and I received a Wedding Anniversary card from my Auntie Julie.  While this might not strike most people as being anything out of the ordinary, for me, it was my Cherish moment for the day.

See, we didn't have an actual "wedding."  I mean there was a legal proceeding on January 14, 2008.  Just no official ceremony, no big party to mark the occasion and no Save the Date cards sent out, kindly reminding people to come celebrate the love.  (However, the plan remains that SOME day we WILL have that kind of party, Save the Dates, dancing, champagne and all... we just don't know when. The ten year mark, perhaps?)
 
But Auntie Julie has the date saved on her calendar.  And she remembers, even though she wasn't there.  And she mails that card in love, even though we are so far away.  And I receive that card in love, with tears in my eyes, because I am amazed yet again, that she never forgets me.

Yeah, I have THAT kind of aunties.
Aunties I love and cherish, because they cherish me.
Seriously, if your auntie lives close by, go give them a huge hug for me.  Auntie Elaine, Auntie Julie, Auntie Pat, Auntie Mary, Auntie Shirley I LOVE YOU!  Thank you all for being the greatest!  XOXO