On Motherhood, Aunty Love, and the Warmth of Community

Motherhood. I’ve never experienced it firsthand, but I’ve watched with admiration as my friends step into the role with grace, grit, organizational genius, and a kind of magic that never ceases to amaze me. They juggle careers, relationships, homes, and their own personal growth—all while nurturing tiny humans.

I thoroughly enjoy my role as an aunt. I adore my little ones. I love them with all of me, and I’ll be the first to admit: I’m completely obsessed. Everything they do strikes me as cool and unique, smart and hilarious. Watching them grow has been a joy—marveling at each new stage, witnessing how their personalities bloom. I get to be involved in their lives in deep and meaningful ways, yet I’m spared the hormonal undercurrents that come with full-time parenting. My anxiety still bubbles up in certain moments, but it’s not the same intensity I’ve seen mothers carry on a daily basis.

Still, through my closest friends, I feel like I’ve tasted a small slice of what it means to mother. If I never have children of my own, I can say I’ve experienced some part of it.

Today, one of my dear friends had her baby shower, and that’s the real source of these musings. It was more than a celebration—it was a full-on event, overflowing with joy, laughter, and love. I felt so blessed to be there.

In the card I wrote her, I told her this baby is incredibly lucky. Not just because they’re being born to two amazing parents, but because they’re arriving into a vibrant, loving extended family that values togetherness, quality time, and having fun. There’s a natural warmth in their family, a closeness that makes everyone feel welcome. Add to that a community of friends who show up filled with love, and this baby will be surrounded by a net of care and connection from day one.

As someone joked during the event, “This doesn’t feel like a baby shower—it feels like a baby party.” And that’s exactly what it was. The music, the laughter, the karaoke, the genuine joy—it was a celebration of life, of love, and of the journey ahead.

Being there reminded me that while motherhood is often framed as an individual journey, it’s also deeply communal. It’s about aunties, godparents, neighbors, best friends, chosen family. It’s about showing up—again and again—with tenderness, intention, and support. I feel proud of my role as an aunt and honored to be part of the village that lifts children and their parents alike.

So here’s to all the mothers. Y’all are nothing short of amazing. And big love to the village—the people who surround children with laughter, love, and open arms.

May we continue to journey together—celebrating milestones, easing challenges, lifting each other up. May we laugh often, help freely, and raise these children in environments rich with joy, kindness, and community.