Love that you wrote about this! I can relate on so many levels. For me, not wanting to have children of my own was a realization I came to later in life. For most of my life I couldn’t imagine not becoming a mom. Now, the thought of having kids of my own just doesn’t feel right somehow.

I too have always surrounded myself with children and honestly adore them. Similar to you, having kids in my life that I love investing in and spending quality time with fully satisfies all my maternal instincts.

I wanted to be more than just the out-of-town aunt that showed up from time to time. When they're older and they're pissed at their parents for whatever reason, I want to be the person they call. I want to dance at their weddings knowing we had something special throughout their lives.

I feel so much of this! I currently have a total of 8 nieces and nephews and counting. Being able to stay connected with them and be a significant part of their lives has meant the world to me. I realize the impact an involved auntie can have on these kids and I don’t take the relationship lightly. I know that if I had children of my own I wouln’t have the time, resources, or energy that I have now to maintain this level of closeness and influence with my nieces and nephews that I treasure so much.