More Family

Grace #14: My other nieces and nephews

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of getting to spend time with my nieces and nephews from my hubby's side. Spending time with them is very special and important to me. They only live an hour away, but the parents of the 3 oldest are divorced; and their dad (my hubby's brother) moved far away this past summer, with the youngest and his mom. All this makes getting together with them just a little bit more challenging! So...when we the stars do manage to align for the family, it is treasured time. You see, I have been pretty close to these kids since they were very little, and being that we all only lived an hour away, we could see each other often. Then when everything in their family began to change, so did our time together. I realize now that I probably took that ease of seeing them for granted. Not now! When we are together I work hard to be present for them and get at least a few moments (usually more!) alone with each of them. Each of them is so special to me, and I truly respect how they are handling all the upheaval they have gone through. They are such loving, caring, funny, kind and creative kids...each in his/her own way. I have loved watching them grow up and seeing the amazing people they are evolving into. Even more I love the relationships that my kids have with them. They have amazing relationships with ALL their cousins. My hubby and I have always made it a priority for our kids to be with their cousins on both sides whenever possible and to nurture those relationships. I'd say we've done a pretty good job! I am grateful to be Aunt Chellie to these four wonderful kids.