Thankfulness: Day 12

Today I am thankful for my oldest nephew, Joshua. Tomorrow is his 20th birthday and I can’t believe he has been a part of our lives for two decades. He has brought joy, laughter and love to all of us and I am truly grateful to be his aunt.

I am now an aunt eight times over but, for a number of years, Josh was the only nephew I had and, at this point, I only have one other nephew. Of course I have six nieces, who I also love dearly, but there are only the two boys. Josh and his younger brother, Isaac.

It is amazing to me to think about Josh and how grown up he is now. I remember carrying him around the grocery store with me. He would sleep resting on my shoulder and I would push the cart with one hand. It was just easier than waking him up from his nap.

Now that little boy I could carry towers over me and is a grown man. Sitting here, pictures of Josh through the years flash through my head. He did grow up well and happy. A proud aunt couldn’t ask for much more than that.

I am very grateful for Joshua and thankful to be his aunt!!