How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.

Psalm 139:17-18 ESV

I remember the first time I saw love with my eyes, held it in my arms, heard its cry, and smelled its wonder. It was the day my eldest niece was born.

After my sister endured a harrowing eighteen hours of labor, she was whisked away for surgery where this bundle of joy made an appearance into the world. And I will never forget that day.

My niece came adorned with a crown full of brown hair as soft as lamb’s wool that I gently caressed with my fingers. As I held her closely, I inspected every appendage and whispered, “I love you” to her again and again.

I wanted her to know she had an aunt who would love her forever. Thankfully, my sister and her husband allowed me to be the doting aunt I longed to be.

Looking back on that day—and the days following….