Dear Pam,
I don’t know why I’ve never told you this before, but thank you for everything. Thank you for being the best aunt in the world, thank you for showing me how important it is to be unapologetically yourself and to stand up for what you believe in, and thank you for teaching me the importance of laughing at yourself, even during the toughest times. Overall, thank you for being such a strong female role model in my life.
You have always been there for me, since the day I was born, and I can’t imagine life any other way. I know that whenever I have a problem, I can turn to you for help. Whether the problem is as simple as not knowing how to braid hair, or as difficult as struggling to decide what college to attend, you have stepped in and provided a guiding hand.
But perhaps the most important lesson that I have learned from you is not one that you have directly taught me. Unlike sitting on the ground with little seven-year-old me and an American Girl Doll in your lap to teach me how to braid hair, this was a lesson one that I learned by observing from afar.
Over the past couple of years, I have seen you struggle immensely. Going through a divorce is never easy on anyone, but it seemed like life was out to get you when you also had to deal with moving houses, car problems, and getting incredibly sick at the same time. Still, throughout it all, you held your head high. You remembered to cherish and laugh at the simple things, and kept your support system close. You showed me how strong you really were during those years, and you continue to remind me every day, as a single, working mother of two.
Pam, you simply astonish me, and I am so thankful to have you as my aunt. Thank you for everything.
Love,
Renea
English 110 Honors Spring 2020 
This was so nice to read! It is incredibly important for young girls to have a strong female role model in their lives, and I am so glad that your aunt was that for you. I really enjoyed how you structured this letter, starting with pleasant memories and explaining your relationship with your aunt, then diving deeper into the most important lessons she has taught you, and ending on a pleasant note. Your aunt is so inspiring and I am sure you are just as strong and resilient as her after watching her go through so many hardships.
Sarina Simpson
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I had goosebumps after reading your post, it was truly emotional and beautiful. It is amazing that you are able to have such a close bond with your aunt and that she continues to be a strong source of guidance and comfort in your life. I love how you included examples, both small and those more significant, in showing the bond you have with your aunt. Your sentence, “Whether the problem is as simple as not knowing how to braid hair, or as difficult as struggling to decide what college to attend, you have stepped in and provided a guiding hand” shows that your aunt is always there for you, no matter what may be at hand. Your aunt seems like such a strong and inspiring woman, and I am so glad that she is able to share those traits with you through your close bond.
– Selma Cemerlic
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This is such a positive piece, Renea. It’s always tough to see a family member struggle, but I’m glad to hear that everything turned out alright in the end. I think it’s great that you have such a positive role model in your life that you have been able to learn so much from. I like how you started off the third paragraph with “but perhaps the most important lesson…” It creates a more serious tone as you move into explaining the hardships your aunt has endured, and it really narrows the focus of the letter. The lessons that can be learned simply through observation can truly be the most valuable, and you did a great job of making that evident.
-Nick Whaley
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