Aunties

Blessed are You,
Lord our God,
King of the Universe,
for my aunts,
who believe the best of me.
I still find it odd
that anyone thinks I’m smart
or capable, or decent,
but my aunts do
and for some reason
I trust them.

Blessed are you, aunties,
for unwavering kindness,
generous gift-giving,
craft supplies and gourmet meals,
giggles and connection,
honesty and creativity.
I never felt you had to invest in me
because I’m your niece.
I knew you wanted to.

Blessed are You,
Lord our God,
King of the Universe,
for the believing and belonging,
the handwritten cards and letters,
funny family stories,
warm welcomes, and celebrations.
You knew it would be hard for me to learn
that the best thing I can be is me,
so You created aunties.
Brave, they are, to be themselves,
and in so doing, to invite me to be myself.