Last evening, one chapter ended in the life of a very important young lady in my life. She was part of the class of 2012 and received her diploma for completing high school and will move into the next phase of her life as she enters college in the fall.
Eleighna Chanel is the reason number one that I am an auntie. She was born on July 12, 1994 and from the moment I saw her being born I was totally in love with this oldest niece of mine.
Because of circumstances, she and her mommy lived with my parents and I; and we were totally taken in with this precious gift sent from Heaven. Yes, we doted on her and spoiled her and held her all the time and I’m sooooo glad we did because the moments just pass too quickly.
Memory after memory was made with this baby, toddler, little girl, young lady…..
I would wake up in the morning and could look through my door into her room and see her wake up and get a big smile on her face and we would point at each other and she would start giggling. “I love you more”…. “No, i love YOU more!!!” These statements would be exchanged as she started talking.
Bath time, play time, reading time, trips to the park, trips to great grandma’s house in TN, Disney World, campground, family vacations to Prince Edward Island, etc.
Her first day of Kindergarten, the entire family went with her and escorted her to her room. Lots of pictures were taken. It was hard to believe she was already five years old.
During her time in elementary school, I volunteered in her class a few times – went on a field trip or two – was able to take her to school many, many times. When I would drop her off, I would tell her that she was a princess and that I loved her but Jesus loved her more. We would say a prayer and prepare her for the day.
She moved to New York for her middle school years; and the day she, her mom & her sister left town, I thought my heart would break it hurt so bad. Lots of trips both ways were made during those few years….
They moved back the summer before Eleighna entered high school…..and as glad I was to have them close again, I was concerned because I knew she would have to adapt to a new school, making new friends, and all the craziness of being a 9th grader.
And….then…..graduation.
I know she will handle the challenges of life just fine because she’s already had to face challenges and difficulties. Challenges and difficulties I wish I could have sheltered her from. She faced and dealt with some hurts, sorrows, and disappointments that she should have never had to deal with but because of other people’s choices it left her with consequences.
Not once did she complain or express anger. She would just say, “I’m used to it.”
This oldest niece of mine is kind, compassionate, tender-hearted, strong in her convictions/beliefs, musically talented, loyal, dedicated, sensitive, quiet, introspective, non-demanding, loving and sweet. I’m so proud of her and being her aunt is a privilege and a blessing.
I hope that the memories she has of the chapters in her life so far will be great ones to reflect on. I pray that she will remember the good more than the bad. I hope that the love from her family will be a strong foundation that keeps her grounded the rest of her life….that she will remember the object lesson from her school superintendent at her commencement last night about having a foundation and then adding passion to that foundation and a lifelong love of learning.
It has been my privilege to watch and be part of this chapter in her life. I’m so grateful for the day she was born into our family….our lives have been much better because of her. It truly is an honor to be her aunt!
Congratulations, Eleighna, on completing this chapter! I love you!
Angela Prather 
my niece and nephews are having children now. time does go by. great memories. and a great post.