Guilt

Well, I forgot my niece's birthday, even though care2.com kindly sent me a reminder. (BTW, care 2 is a great website. Free ecards, and lots of pro-environment petitions to sign.)

Am I a bad aunt? I've tried, but it just gets away from me sometimes. Well, I guess better late than never. Instead of creating a blog entry, I'll go send her a card!

Sorry, Emily!

He got the job!

This weekend we attended my nephew's graduation (cum laude!!!). The first thing he said to me when he saw me was "I GOT THE JOB!"

I'm thrilled. It's so great to know I had a small part in helping this fine young man succeed in life.

My nephew asked me for help!

My nephew Kevin, who is graduating soon from college, stayed over for his very first job interview near where we live.

I was thrilled when he actually asked for, and listened to, advice on how to interview! My goodness! He's so young! It was such a pleasure to be able to impart some of my experience to him!

And I remember him when he was a cute faced little kid...

It's a two way street

When I went to visit my great nephew a couple of weeks ago, I was amazed to hear feedback that I had "been a great help" when cuddling the little sweetie pie for an hour or so.

Bottom line: aunthood can be a mutually beneficial relationship. What is an all-too-rare treat for me is a moment of respite for mom and dad.

How nice.

My Aunt Selma

I've had some kind and affectionate aunts, but the one I hold the warmest spot in my heart for is my Aunt Selma. She was actually married to my uncle, so she wasn't related by blood. But that didn't matter. She was the most warm, welcoming, affectionate aunt in the world. She made me feel loved. When I became an aunt, I tried to emulate her in my treatment of my nephews and nieces. I hope I succeeded.

Being a great aunt is like being a grandma

A great aunt is a lot more like a grandma than an aunt is like a mom. Sort of evens out as the generations spread. I can give my grown nephew advice, and can goo-goo-goo at the baby, where I'd never have given advice to his mom!

Does the word aunt conjure up "warm and fuzzy"?

I was just googling the word "aunt" and noticed that most of the references were to sites like "Aunt So-and-so's cookies". It seems to me that a lot of people associate aunts with warm, kindly, advice giving older women.

That's good isn't it?