This morning, I woke up to a text from my nephew Michael that had been sent around midnight. It was an old picture of him sitting on my lap while I bounced him as a baby. I was only a sophomore in college, wearing oversized glasses and still trying to figure out life myself. Michael has often said that I was more like a mother to him than simply an auntie, and honestly, our story reflects something many people quietly live through: not everyone is raised within traditional family structures. Sometimes love, stability, and healing are built through the people who simply choose to show up.
Love never fails.
Corinthians 13:8
My nephew was born when I was only 19 years old. His childhood was marked by instability, incarceration, mental illness, and broken support systems. Yet from the moment I first saw him, I loved him deeply. When his mother eventually made the difficult decision to place him into state custody, I remember going to court carrying a scrapbook filled with pictures from our outings and memories together. Although he and his younger brother were ultimately placed with a woman named Connie, her kindness allowed me to remain present throughout his childhood. We both called her Auntie Connie. She allowed me to continue seeing him during weekends, school breaks, and vacations while helping him maintain relationships with both sides of his family. For that, I will always be grateful.
Years later, while navigating my own divorce and raising four children as a single mother, I received a call asking if Michael could come live with me. At the time, he was a struggling 17-year-old freshman trying to find his footing academically and emotionally. Together with the help of my own non-traditional village that I have here at home with my own family, supportive educators, and Michael’s determination we worked through educational challenges, learning disabilities, alternative programs, long walks to school and work, and teenage growing pains. There were moments where It was a strain for the both of us and navigating so Many complexities, yet love brought us through. Somehow, through patience, grace, and determination, we made it through the most difficult moments. I am thoroughly grateful for the village that supported him while he was in my care which included administrators, teachers, and My teacher work bestie later became Uncle Freeman. Michael eventually graduated early from an accelerated program, and during the ceremony, each graduate was allowed to choose guests to walk behind them. Out of everyone in the world, he chose me. I’ll never forget having the admin ring the bell in walking ahead of him in his cap and gown standing tall although he’s only 5’3, and over the intercom hearing Promp and Circumstance playing over the speaker. I walk behind them holding back tears. That moment touched me more deeply than words can explain.
Today, Michael lives in Atlanta, has his own apartment, and works for a respectable company. Watching him grow into adulthood after such an unstable beginning has been one of the greatest honors of my life. His simple Mother’s Day phone call this year blessed my spirit more than he probably realizes. It reminded me that aunties, uncles, grandparents, mentors, and extended family members often become vital parts of a child’s village. Love does not always arrive through traditional titles or perfect circumstances. Sometimes it comes through the people who simply choose to stay.
Purpose Filled Mommy with Minimarie 