Guest Author - Susan Hubenthal

Dear Alex:
I wish you were old enough to realize how much I care
for you and how much you mean to me. I am your uncle,
Aram. When you were born I didn’t know exactly how to
feel. Of course I was happy that you were born and that you
were healthy, however, the period around the time you were
born was a very dark and unhappy time for me. I also had to
accept the fact that somewhere, somehow, my sister, your
mother, grew up, got through school, got married and gave
birth to you and I haven’t even realized it. Moreover, I think
that I was too involved in living a very aimless lifestyle,
myself, to take notice that people grow up, they change,
they move on and become productive with their lives; they
shed their adolescent wings and go off into the world and
become adults. You see, I have yet to do that in my life and,
because of that, I have not been able to fully enjoy the
splendor of watching you grow up. I think about you every
day of my life. You are the most special thing that I have in
my life. You represent everything that is pure, uncorrupted,
and magnificent. I am very sorry that I have not given you
what you deserve. I am not only your uncle; I am also your
godfather. Today, I think that I have a better idea of what it
means. Being a godfather means much more than buying
you presents on your birthday or Christmas. It means more
than feeding you if you are hungry. What it means to me is
always being there for you under any circumstances. It also
means that I, myself, owe it to you and myself to be a good
person. A good person at heart as well as a good person in
deeds. This is a very special time, Christmas time. It is a
celebration of good will, happiness and, most importantly,
hope. You will always own a portion of my heart. I look
forward to watching you grow and become a fine, young
man. I have learned that it is too difficult for me to make
promises because, for whatever reason, I always end up not
keeping them, but I will make you this one sincere promise:
You will always be able to count on me. I promise you this.
I will make every effort to earn that very special title that
was bestowed on me, your godfather. I love you very much.
Your uncle,
Aram