My niece was born at Emanuel Hospital. I was 13 years old and trying my best to stay awake on an early Wednesday morning in a maternity room all by myself. My mom went with my sister and brother-in-law to the OR to witness the birth of her first grandchild. Since I was 13, a boy, and someone who didn't want to see the inside of my sister (truth is I wasn't allowed in the OR) I was left in the room to my own devices.
I watched the late local news and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno to pass the time. I tried to be a good brother and uncle by cleaning up the room before they came back. I remember it taking forever and wondering just how tired I'd be for school the next day.
They finally came back with her at about a quarter to two. She was beautiful! I was the second family member (outside of her parents) to see her alive. We stayed for something like 15 minutes. What a ripoff. I wanted to see more of her!
Keilee turns 18 today. It's hard to believe it's been that long.
I watched her as a toddler while my sister would work. We watched PB&J Otter and Blue's Clues ad nauseum. She thought I was Steve. For the record, I don't look like the guy at all. Well, maybe when I was 14 I did, but regardless, I've been Uncle Steve ever since.
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| Left: c. 2000 Right: c. 2014 |
We bonded over sports as she grew up. We would shoot jumpers in the driveway. She probably thinks she could beat me one on one but she's wrong. I'll often randomly tweet at her that I miss her and she always replies.
She is a tomboy and when she puts on a dress I get uneasy. Part of me is protective of her and kind of thinks of her as his little sister. I still see the messy face little girl who carries Mr. Bear around by the ribbon and wants to give me a hug.
I feel old today. I told someone that I used to change her diapers and instantly felt gray hair try to sprout. Good thing I'm bald, I guess. It makes me think about my own kids and how fast they are growing up. It goes by really fast and before you know it, they're grownups.
She graduates in two months and I am excited about her future. I want her to be successful and do something she is passionate about. I want her to grow old, have a family of her own and take charge of our family someday. She needs to be strong like her mother. I want her to keep all her cousins together and create a loving extended family who makes fun of their parents together. Most of all, I want her to enjoy life.
She is a sweet, kind, funny, awesome gir....woman and I love her to death.
Welcome to adulthood, kid. Happy Birthday.
Love,
Uncle Steve

