There is no relationship so particularly lacking discussion as that between a child and an aunt.There are books of Aunties, stories of their quirky ways, their heroism, and their love. But how often we do not know our Aunties really... and for this reason the title "Auntie" hold so much mystery and magic. It is what makes this relationship an endless pool in need of rediscovery.
There is no need to develop histories with Aunts. History with an Auntie is inherent. Much like parental relationships they are inescapable, but unlike parents, Aunts do not hold the threat of pain, the knowledge of deep secrets, or the hazy grey of scars always remembered but long silenced. Aunts are special in that they offer that moment of monumental love but escape our immediate notice before we can fear the loss of them.
An Aunt can be anything. She does not have to be a mother, a lover, a professional, a homemaker, an adult or in some cases even a woman by birth.She can be all of these things, some of them, or none of them at all. She can be so much more than any list can capture. Regardless of who she is, I believe she is always fantastical because in her we see pieces of ourselves that are removed enough to still be glorious and yet even amongst our awe we find familiarity.
My father's family is from Hawaii and in Hawaii all women are Aunties. For this reason, I have a lot of Aunties. My father has 5 sisters and several cousins all of whom are Aunties to
me. His parents' siblings are also Aunties. Even one of his male cousins
has become an Auntie. My mother, whose family is not from Hawaii, has two sisters and one Aunt who have
all played the Auntie roll. Each of these women (and man) are
particularly powerful, particularly unique, and particularly in need of a
written story. As their niece, with a special relationship with each of them, I intend to write that story.
Herein lies the stories of my Aunties and my journey to become one myself.
*It should be noted that each of these entries will be written, rewritten, extended, changed, and cut in future posts. No entry is final.
