Dear Brady,

You were born into love. Not all babies are. Many are born into hatred, neglect, abuse or loneliness. But you, lucky boy, were loved by so many before you were even born. We whispered to you through your mom’s belly, we felt you kick and imaged what you’d look like. We waited eagerly as you spent 19 hours pushing your way into the world, and we lined up to meet you when you were only minutes and hours old.

We love your mop of dark hair and your little button nose. We love your tiny toes and fingers, your fragile limbs, your baby soft skin. We love the child you are now and the man you will become.

When you were just three days old, I tucked you in my arms and watched as you woke from a long sleep. Your brand new eyes of the deepest grey struggled to focus, and then finally settled on mine. You studied my face and I studied yours. And in that moment I loved you so fiercely, my nephew, my sister’s son, the newest member of our family.

We may be strangers to you still, but we promise to protect and love you always. You will never be alone. Not as a tiny baby or a curious child or a stubborn teenager, not even as the well-adjusted adult I’m sure you’ll someday be. You were born into love, swells and mountains of love, and you’ll never have to go without. We love you not just because you’re an adorable sweet baby, we love you because you’re Brady.

Love (always),
Your Aunt Nana