My Schatzis

I have yet to feel that “joy of motherhood” that women experience from having children, and to be honest, I’m not sure if that will happen for me, but in the meantime, I have eight wonderful nieces and nephews who are the joy of my life. And even though I may not have given birth to them, I still see each and everyone of them as if they were my own.

They range from ages (almost) sixteen to two-years-old and I couldn’t be more proud of the little people they are becoming. They each have such distinctive personalities and they can each make me laugh in a very unique way. I take pride in their accomplishments and root for them in their struggles.

They all have an activity they participate in and excel at, and the simple act of singing a song in their school concert, jumping into the water for their swim meet, rocking out on the dance floor like a dancing fool, or giving a speech at a pivotal moment in their life, can bring tears of joy and pride to my eyes.

I have three nephews who took first place in their swim heat and one of them was almost bursting at the seams with excitement. I have two more nephews who play t-ball and one of them slides into home plate, always over-shooting it by a good two feet, and the other hates to have us cheer for him but still looks so darn cute in his uniform, and we all still clap our hearts out for them as they go up to bat. I have a niece who just celebrated her Quinceanera and presented herself in such a ladylike and grown-up way that I marveled at the woman she’s become and wondered where the years had gone. I have a nephew who plays a mean Guitar Wizard and who filled me with such pride when he invited his mom to dance with him at his sister’s reception. And I have a niece who is a two-year-old bundle of sass, personality and keen comic timing. She can cut a rug like nobody’s business and surprises me everyday with her command of the English language.

I heard recently that “schatzi” is a German word meaning “little treasure.” These little human beings I am so blessed to know are my schatzis. They fill my life with so much love and joy and I am so fortunate to know them. Sure I may be seen as the “strict aunt” now and then, but we have all come to build an amazing relationship full of respect and boundaries, but also fun and love. These kids give me such hope as to what this new generation can become. And they give me such pride at the adults they will grow up to be. I love you schatzis!!