I’m Claiming The Role of Aunty
My Love For My Own Extends To Their Friends
Our daughters are 19 and 25 and along with their friends, they are experiencing many things on their journey which I could not have imagined having to contend with when I was their age.
As a result, I am claiming the role of Aunty for our daughter’s friends if they’ll have me.
I realize I have lived the African Proverb — “It takes a village” as indicated by these beautiful young people’s reaction to me as young adults! They are not simply being polite but choose to ask our daughters about me and spend time when we can. They remember birthday parties and similar events and recall that during school events, I cheered as loud for them as I did for my own. Hugs and kisses were also abundant for them. There are also friends our daughters met later in life who have become beloved members of the village.
In various cultures, an “Aunty” is an elder woman who is respected for their wisdom regardless of whether they are of blood relations or not. Of course, Hollywood has exaggerated how some Auntys interact with younger people — acting on the premise of deserving respect with little or no boundaries.
I’m saddened that there are real cases where individuals have taken advantage of this role to the detriment of younger people.
I wish healing for the…
