An Open Letter to my Nieces and Nephew

Dearest Delaney, Laurel, Reba and Edison,

The four of you mean the world to me.  I am the luckiest Aunt in the world because I have the four of you in my life.  You’re some of the coolest people I know.

You’re getting to the age in your life where you are probably thinking that no adult has EVER experienced what you have.  We have NO IDEA what you are going through.  There is NO POSSIBLE way we can understand.

Despite my gray hair (De & Re, you’d freak out because I haven’t dyed my hair in almost a year and I have more gray than your mom), I remember what it was like to be your age.  I remember feeling the same way.  You’ll laugh when you’re older and realize the same thing.

So here are a few words of wisdom from Auntie Oompa

• Being the most popular doesn’t mean anything in the long run.  True friends don’t care if you’re popular as long as you’re being yourself.
• Respect adults because one day you’ll be one.
• Do your homework.  I never thought I would say those words (ask your Grandma and Grandpa).  Homework is important.  Studying IS important.  Getting good grades is more important than any video game, sport, social event, etc…
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Eat your vegetables (because you may end up in a place where you can’t get fresh vegetables often and you realize how much you miss them…)
• Don’t foolishly spend your money (or your parents money).  Start saving your birthday money and money you get from babysitting or doing chores.
• You don’t NEED everything you WANT.
• Don’t rush to grow up.  Enjoy where you are in life now.
• Accept responsibility for your actions.
• If you get a gut feeling that something you’re thinking of doing is wrong, DON’T DO IT.
• Your parents/grandparents/aunts and uncles have your best interests at heart.  Be grateful for them.  Always.  Thank them and tell them you love them every day.  Hug them every chance you get.
• Be grateful for your friends.  The real friends.  The ones that love you despite your flaws.  The ones that are there for you during hard times and are there to share the good times as well.  Those are the friendships that you will cherish for forever.
• Take risks but don’t do things that you know are really stupid.  For instance, piercing your own bellybutton is a REALLY STUPID idea.  Applying to work in Antarctica is a REALLY BRILLIANT idea.

Start thinking of where you want to go in life.  The decisions you make today are already shaping your future.  Don’t settle for being mediocre or average.  Being less than your own personal best is a waste of talent.

Okay, okay, stop rolling your eyes.  I’ll quit sounding like an old lady (for now).

Love you babies!

Auntie Oompa