Auntie Cat

 Today I stepped out of my solitude and melancholy compulsive temperament and went with my sis-in-law and my niece Camille to the mall last Tuesday (they were visiting from Atlanta/Memphis). 

And it was different. Different like, good. Sometimes my melancholiness won’t allow me to go beyond my normal expressions, but I can honestly say, I needed it. It being, to see my niece grow into herself. Her looking for outfits, trying to figure out her style. Listening to her laugh, while in disbelief that she’s almost 13, and me just being an auntie, asking her questions about her favorite things, her friendships, music, sports.

I think the most eye-opening part was how much she reminds me of myself. I think my brother can attest to it as well. He has a mistaken habit of calling me Camille and Camille, Cathy. My niece and I don’t text/ talk a lot, so it was ironic to receive this text from her yesterday. 

Nonetheless, this was a reminder for me that she is watching, whether with her eyes, ears, or heart. We have a bond that I didn’t really even know was there. Thanks Chris! Lol

But, it’s made me think about my relationships with my own aunts, whether close or not, I did the same thing. I was and still am “watching” who they are. 

It also urges me to “do better” with all my nieces (10 nieces total, all under the age of 13). To be a light for them and build a bond especially while they are in the early discovery of who they are or want to become.