As I’m writing this, you’re downstairs, and I’m upstairs reflecting on how truly grateful I am for you.
This is a thank you letter, a love letter, to someone who has accepted me as her own, helped me grow, and shaped me into the woman I am today. This is for my wonderful aunt, who has chosen to mother me over the past few years. You are incredibly special, and I want to share with the world just how much you mean to me.
A Little Backstory
When I was a baby, my mom met my stepdad, and soon after, my younger brother was born. My stepdad is the man who raised me; he’s my father, the one I called “daddy.” I was basically adopted into his family, not through legal terms but through love. They welcomed me as one of their own. But of everyone, I was closest to his sister, my Aunt Tita.
For most of my childhood, I believed I was blood-related to them until I was 12 years old. During Christmas is when my world was shattered, and I met my biological father. He wasn’t a bad man, and his family- my sisters and stepmom- are wonderful people, he just wasn’t my daddy.
This is the short version of the story. There’s a lot more I could say, but this isn’t a trauma dump sesh.
An Unforeseen Bond
I’ve always felt a deep connection with you.
As a kid, I used to wish you were my mom. That’s not to take anything away from my mother, but our relationship wasn’t great. I saw how affectionate you were. You chose to take care of Mijo and I when we were kids. Even now, you still do, you are the one who chooses to be there when my parents aren’t.
In the past few years, our relationship has only grown deeper. You and your family loved me when I was at my messiest. You took me in, treated me as your own, shared your wisdom, fed me delicious food (thanks Alex, God bless you), and showered me with unconditional love.
The love I feel from you reminds me of God’s love. It’s new to me. It’s unconditional, and nonjudgmental. You love me through anger, through silence, and even through my self-destructive moments. There’s nothing I could do that would make you stop loving me, and that’s something I’ve never experienced before.
The Little Things Mean the Most
I’m not the best at showing love. I can be standoffish, with a dry personality. But you still want me around, even when I’m not at my best, and when I’m being an Eeyore. That’s real love.
You and your husband have taken me in as if I were your adult child. You’ve done so much for me. Like the time you decorated my apartment for a small Valentine’s Day party. It was over-the-top and adorable, and I cried from happiness.
And my 29th birthday? You threw me a surprise Twilight-themed party, with wine bottles coded with blood types, “hoa-hoa-hoa” music, fog, and my face photoshop as a spider monkey. I mean, the decorations that you created were phenomenal, and it seemed as though the Cullens had taken over your house. It was perfect, hilarious, and deeply thoughtful. That day was the happiest I’ve been all year. It was very healing for teenage Christina. Everyone I loved was there. I couldn’t have asked for more. By the way, I finally used that bottle of mustard, but not the croutons, you gave me as a birthday present.
Your Love is Healing
I’ve never known consistent love. I’ve never felt safe enough to be fully myself, to share my darkest thoughts, or to let someone take care of me as an adult the way you have.
It’s healing, not just for me now but for the little girl I used to be. Growing up, I mostly felt fear, loneliness, hunger, and anger. But God placed you in my life so perfectly, so purposefully, so strategically, and through you, He’s helping me heal those old wounds.
You’re a reminder of my strength and a model for the kind of love I want to create in my future family. The love you share with your husband and children inspires me. You’re honest, raw, sometimes hilariously mean (but always with love). You’re everything I needed as a kid, and I’m so grateful to have you in my life now.
You’re brilliant, creative, and stylish. I mean, your nails are always done, and I’ve always admired that for some reason. You’re an amazing mother and so much more.
Thank You for Choosing Me
You didn’t have to take me in these past few years or step into a mothering role. You didn’t have to love me as a kid who didn’t technically belong to your family. But you chose to. You chose to love me, teach me, care for me, and listen to me.
You chose me.
I’ve never been more grateful in my life to be chosen by someone as incredible as you.
Merry Christmas. Thank you for being you. I love you, and I’m so glad God placed you in my life, so intentionally and perfectly. I don’t know where I’d be without you, but I know it wouldn’t be here. You are God’s perfect placement for me.
Thank you for the command strips, I need to hang up the Forks poster.
With lots of love,
Stinka <3
P.S Thank you Alex for finding her.
