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The Far Away Aunt


I am the “far away aunt” – the one that has to take an airplane to come visit.  The one that mails presents at birthdays and Christmas, and cards other times throughout the year.  I come to town a couple of times a year – visit a week or so – then disappear again.  Sometimes my nieces and nephews and I talk on the phone or video chat, but mostly, I am the aunt that is sort of unknown.

Until now.

I am living in Omaha with my nephew, his wife, and their two boys, Ryker (age 4) and Keegan (age 2).  They set up a great room for me in the basement, and I share the boys’ bathroom and shower upstairs.  Being here has given me such an amazing opportunity to get to hang out with them and know them better. 

Ryker, Keegan and I have become pals.  When Keegan comes home from daycare, he sometimes stands at the top of the basement stairs and yells, “Aunt Suuusiiin, Aunt Suuusiiin, Aunt Suuuusinnnn” until I pop my head around the corner and say hello.  The three of us I play all kinds of games, mostly sports related:  football guys, hockey guys, and actual hockey with real sticks and a net in the living room.  This morning before my shower I had the task of explaining to Ryker what VOTING means (try doing THAT when you are not a parent and “just an aunt” – walking that minefield to explain something neutrally so not as to expose the kid to your own views/prejudices…). 

And sometimes my nephew Nate comes down and he and I have long, meaningful conversations that both make me think and make me proud.  He is a terrific guy and his wife is sweet, kind, and smart.

Neighbor boys gave the kids several Halloween costumes (on top of the stash they already had).  They both have had a hard time deciding what to be for Halloween – so many choices!!!  This morning Ryker asked me what I was going to be.  “Hmmm, I haven’t decided yet.  Do you have a costume I could borrow??”.  I knew this was a big ask.  He is at an age where sharing isn’t his favorite thing, PLUS he hadn’t fully decided what HE wanted to wear.  I didn’t expect my request to be greeted with such a quick, “Sure!”.  He ran and got me a costume.  A green Incredible Hulk top.  It.  Is.  Fabulous.

“THANK YOU, RYKER!  I love it!!!  I will wear it!”. 
“Ummm, Aunt Susan, but it doesn’t have PANTS…”
“That’s ok, buddy.  I don’t need pants!  I will wear my jeans.”

So that is how it came to be.  53 year old me dressed up in a slightly too tiny Marvel Kids Hulk costume.

And loving every minute of it.

The far away aunt (love handles and all...)



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Comments

Anonymous said…
Hahah!!!! The incredible Tiny Hulk Aunt Susan!!! Too cute!
October 31, 2019 at 5:59 PM
That guy said…
Who else but Aunt Susan...? Love it!
October 31, 2019 at 6:14 PM
Susie Evers said…
Happy Hulkoween!!! What a cute story!
October 31, 2019 at 11:58 PM
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