One of my favorite roles in life is that of being an aunt to my nephews and nieces, and now the “greats” are coming along as well. Whether it’s the “chocolate chip cookie” aunt, the “teach me to sew” aunt, the “home away from home” aunt, “make me my favorite pie please” aunt, or the “just want to talk” aunt, I cherish each and every relationship!

How my parents would love to see the fine young men and women they’re becoming and have become!

At a recent family get together, when sitting around the table with a group of these nieces and nephews, I mused, “maybe, just maybe there’s hope for our future if it’s in their hands.”

As I listened to their cross talk, vibrant conversation, and mutual encouragement of each other, I flashed back to a specific time in my life when I felt devoid of any purposeful role. I was laying in a hospital bed battling breast cancer, but had no desire to keep fighting to live. I had lost hope. The pain and struggle was too much. My children were grown and gone with their own families to raise. I figured it was easier to just pass on. I was not needed anymore. Even after recovery, my empty nest echoed with my need to still mother.

This last week, my cup has been full to overflowing; my brother’s youngest granddaughter has moved in with us to attend Baylor University’s Truett Seminary, another grand niece came through with friends as they readied their Baylor Freshman dorm rooms, a nephew called just to talk,  another grand nephew called and wants to come and spend a weekend with his sister. He also wanted to know if he could bring yet another grand nephew along. The couches and beds will all be occupied and I can cook for a bunch of kids again!

I am embracing my role as “Aunt Sheila” with open arms. My hopeless empty nest of the past is now full again with the comings and goings of  the second and third generation of “Graham babies!”

I’m reminded of the story in the New Testament when the Apostle Paul was encouraging Timothy to think of the legacy of faith he inherited from his mother and grandmother. My prayer is that I can play a role in passing our family legacy on to the next generations.

What role are you playing?