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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...)



Comments

Anonymous said…
Hahah!!!! The incredible Tiny Hulk Aunt Susan!!! Too cute!
That guy said…
Who else but Aunt Susan...? Love it!
Susie Evers said…
Happy Hulkoween!!! What a cute story!

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