Dear Nephew

I can’t wait to see you on Sunday; it’s been too long.  Life has a habit of getting in the way and I’ve been guilty of not trying hard enough to find a day to come and visit you more often. I must do better.  But it’s hard.  We live two hours away and there’s always so much to do on a weekend. The intention is always there, in my mind. You need to know that.

Just like the last time I saw you and the time before that, (and so it has been) I am hoping I finally get that big cuddle I’ve been so desperately wanting from you in the 14 months you’ve been on this Earth.  And just like last time, and all the times before that, it’s completely ok if you don’t want to.  I know how shy and wary you are around people you don’t see every day and that’s absolutely fine.

We’ll take another small step.  The first time I held you as a newborn was brilliant. Then the time you smiled at me pulling funny faces was brilliant.  When you tentatively crawled towards me to investigate a finger puppet I was playing with was brilliant.  Every moment building our relationship has been brilliant and there’ll be many more moments to come. I’m sure of it.

Looking to the future, I can’t wait for the day you’ll be ready to come and have a sleepover with us.  Your cousin will love it! She already dotes on you and we make sure we show her the pictures and videos of you we receive from your Mammy and Daddy.  You look like such a happy little boy toddling around your house getting up to mischief.  Your cousin is really looking forward to taking you under her wing and running around with you now that she knows you’re on the move. We have a family wedding coming up and she is determined to be the one to keep an eye on you, being the “grown up” child of our clan!

You don’t realise this yet but I love my family so very much and would do anything for them. That now includes you.  Growing up I had a great bond with my Aunty, Uncle and Cousins and I truly hope that bond grows in you.  But, let’s not force it.  My experience isn’t necessarily the roadmap for you. There’s no pressure there.  Just know that I’m there for you in whatever capacity you want an Uncle to be.

For now, I’ll take a little smile. A cheeky kiss. A sneaky cuddle. For there’s always the next time and all the times after that.

Lots of love

Uncle Neil.

x