Never Grow Up: A Letter of Hopeful Wisdom from Aunt Caitlin

I knew the drive home from work was going to be long. I was exhausted and it was raining a steady, calming rain. My radio stations were fading in and out from the storm, so I blindly pulled a CD from my visor and hit "shuffle". The often whiny, but somehow addictive voice of Taylor Swift echoed in my car, singing anthems of angst and heartbreak. Then, a familiar guitar progression, mellow and comforting, capture my full attention.

"You are not going to cry this time."

So I unlocked the heartless side of my personality, and put on my tough guy face and made it through the entire five minutes unaffected by the song.

Yeah, I laughed as I wrote that, too.

No, I cried. Like a baby. Not because of my personal nostalgia of growing up, but because my mind immediately went to the blond-haired, blue-eyed wonderment who answers to the name Frankie Andrew.

Dear Frankie,

I never imagined that my sister would so casually announce her pregnancy by barging into my room while I was cleaning and hand me the pregnancy tests. I never imagined that I would be the kind of person that was almost unable to contain my enthusiasm for nine months. As soon as I found out that she was having a boy, I bought you the cutest little suit. I proudly planned a baby shower in your honor and helped (as much as possible) your mother carefully carry you to term, whether it was a shoulder to cry on or a crane lifting stress off her shoulders. Even in the womb, you were a stubborn little fellow. It was about a month before you were born when I finally felt you kick, and it made my day. I stayed at the hospital as much as I was allowed to when your mom went into labor. And though I had to work, and wasn't there during your first moments into this world, I was there as soon as I could be. When we first met, your father introduced me as "the crazy aunt", and let me tell you, I'm only getting started! There isn't a doubt in my mind that we will have our share of adventures. I really hope I'm not one of those aunts who is "too involved", but rather a friend that is always there for you. I've watched you grow over the past sixteen months and it has been the biggest joy and the biggest blessing. I have realized that I have so much I want to tell you - the "you" you are at any given age in life. You can take it or leave it, but know that I mean every word.

First, know that you are loved more than you know. Love breaks, but love also mends. Your family is a force to be reckoned with, and I only ask that you reciprocate that love. It won't always be easy, either -you come from a long line of stubbornness. But to love and be loved is something people take for granted, and I hope you never do.

Don't underestimate your inner strength. Period. "You are braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." If you ever need help remembering that, I know a few people who would be more than happy to remind you. When you stumble, and you will, get back up, brush it off, and move on. When life throws you a curve ball, hit it out of the park. Pardon my clichés, if you will. If there's one thing I've learned about handling tough situations it's that you never know who is watching. It's not enough to tell a great story, you must live a great story.

Take chances and cease opportunities... as many as you can. You'll only regret the ones you passed over. If the opportunity to travel comes your way, whether for work or pleasure, GO. Don't weigh a list of pros and cons. Don't wait until you win the lottery. Don't wait. Just go.

As a general rule for life, if they teach you the consequences of certain actions in health class, just say no. Whether it's drugs, alcohol, sex, or not brushing your teeth - there's a reason the government requires schools to teach you the side effects of doing said things.

Believe it or not, there was a time when you were afraid of grass. Your parents didn't let you stay on the porch, though. They might have bribed you with toys, but it was this milestone, and all of the others, that let your parents know they were doing something right.  When you're a kid, your parents seem like superheroes. However, their heroism knows no bounds. The older you get, the more you realize just how amazing your parents truly are. So, give them a break every now and then.

Remember the little things: the way Papaw slaps his chest when he laughs, the way Meemaw's kisses make everything better, and the sound of the house when it's full of genuine happiness. Always find time for family - it's never wasted and often never lasts long enough. I know we can be a bit overwhelming, but if there's anything I've learned in my short twenty-three years with them, they are the best part of life. You're never too old for eating ice cream cones or catching fireflies. Never pass up the opportunity to pet a friendly dog or make a baby laugh. Watch movies and cartoons, but read books, too. Lots and lots of books. Don't lose the wonderment of knowing your place when you look at the sky and the oceans. If it brings you peace, do it. Peace is such an important part of living a life you're proud of.

And finally, know that no matter where you are or what you've done, somebody loves you and is always going to be proud of you. They are always going to be there for you. They will always encourage you. They will always, always, ALWAYS be on your side - even when you're wrong. You're family is far from perfect, but their grace is endless because their love is endless.

You have filled our lives with so much joy and hope by being your toddling self. Keep it up, kiddo.

I love you, Frankie!

Aunt Caitlin