The news came in 2001 that I was going to become an Auntie for the first time and what wonderful news it was. My first little bundle of joy came in January of 2002 and it was the most incredible moment. And yes I was there for that exact moment when my little niece took her first breath.
I had the great honour of being right there with my sister and her husband in the delivery room for both of my awesome nieces, the first in 2002 and then another little, or not so little, sweetie in 2006.
These two lovely human beings have changed my life for the better. As someone who has no plans to have my own children, I love having these two nieces along with the many other honourary nieces and nephews that I have via all my parental friends.
Recently, I came across Melanie Notkin’s website SavvyAuntie.com. She’s the one that has coined the term “professional aunt, no kids,” or PANKs. And that is definitely what I am. I’m a PANK and so proud of it and all the wonderful young people who have made my life better just for knowing them.
From the moment that they have come into your life, by birth or through friends, nieces and nephews (family or honourary) find a place in your heart that they will always fill.
It is a wonderful treat to have even a small place in the life of all these unique and amazing individuals.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Savvy Auntie, Melanie Notkin, is also the woman who in 2009 established the Annual Auntie’s Day (every fourth Sunday in July) to ‘celebrate and honor the maternal women in a child’s life‘. This year it’s on July 24th, 2016. Don’t forget your Auntie!
Read more about how Auntie Camp came to be.
