Trey's 4th Birthday Letter.

Dear Trey,

4 years ago I was introduced to a new kind of love. The kind of love you did not even know existed, that is so strong you can actually feel your chest expanding because your heart is swelling so much. The kind of all-consuming, bone-crushing, unexpected love you did not even know was possible for you to feel, let alone for someone you didn’t even know yet. I held you when you were a day old, and though I knew it was impossible, I could have sworn you looked right at me, taking in your surroundings. Right then and there, I knew that life would never be the same. I became an aunt, my most valued role yet.

Buddy, every time I see you I am amazed at the little boy you have become and are constantly becoming. Looking at you, I see your daddy, my brother; the similarities are that striking. Your laughter is infectious and you are able to find joy in the most mundane of situations. Watching you interact with people, you are like a giant heart with legs - your love spills over through every pore of your body, with every smile and hug and high five you give. Your brain is always working, and you question everything. Please don't ever lose that. You are sensitive, sometimes highly so, and I think this is a strength of yours. It will make you a wonderful man in the future. To hear you recite the words to the entirety of "The Polar Express" makes me smile; to wake up to your smile an inch from my face and hear you whisper, "Is it morningtime, JJ?" is the best alarm clock imaginable. I look at you and I wonder how we got so lucky to have such a wonderful little person in our lives. I know that everyone who meets you will be the lucky ones, that everyone whose life you touch is that much richer for it.

Though it has only been 4 short years, it is hard to remember my life without you. When I try to picture it, your absence is glaringly apparent. You have filled up my life and the lives of our relatives with such love, generosity and laughter, that without it, we would surely be the ones lacking. I cannot be there for your birthday this year, which breaks my heart, but know that I love you very much and wish I could be there. You are the best nephew I could ever imagine, and I am proud to be your aunt.

Love you boo,

Aunt JJ