You should click on the photo below to see it bigger. Unfortunately it’s a bit blurred, but it’s fine. I still love it.
This is an entry about my niece. The wonderful niece who is helping me write a breast cancer experience testimonial to publish on ChickenSoup.com. I can’t be grateful enough.
The picture portrays us on the day of her 26th birthday. She’s a big girl, 26 years already… it looks like yesterday that I held her in my arms for the first time. She was so small, and I was a bit envious of my younger sister for the luck she had, a little daughter and later, two beautiful twins (boy and girl).
But back to my eldest niece. 
She and I are not mere relatives… we are friends.
Luana is – for the most – the only friend I have. I know some people, but nobody understands me better than Luana. She always thought of me as a peer, not an old moody auntie, and that’s very special… very rare too. Not all nieces and nephews are that kind to an aunt that’s thirty years older.
We share a very special coincidence too: I was born on 1955, Luana on 1985 …. and our younger siblings (my sisters and her brother & sister) were born respectively on 1961 and 1991. EXACTLY 6 YEARS APART! AND BOTH OF US HAVE TWO SIBLINGS THAT ARE TWINS!
That’s a big generational case – a special gift by God. It’s like Luana and I were destined to be that close. We share the same role as the big daughters in our families, we have similar interests, and although I’m always a bit lazy with things, she did great things to me: she helped me master my English (not so perfect but I try!), learn how to blog and enjoy some email chat. My little world feels a lot bigger now, I feel less lonely. I need to thank her for this.
I also love all she does with her fictional characters on blogs. She’s a talent! My favorite character of all times is Ambrosia (ambry.phinkable.org) because when Luana still had no Internet on 2002 (I think) she wrote Ambrosia’s story as a short-story, in Italian, and I found it moving. I also asked her to photocopy it for me, so I could keep it in my drawer and reread it when I wish to. Now, it’s so fun to read Ambrosia’s life online! I still keep the story, but I like following the character growth on the blog too. So nice and smart, I think!
I have to leave the computer now, because there’s a thunderstorm outside of here. The electricity can go soon. Please leave a comment if you want. I love you!!
Gina Annita B. ♥
I'm Gina but you may call me Annita, which is my middle name and online nickname too. I'm 56 and I live in a quiet countryside surrounding the Italian city of Velletri, a province of Rome. Most of my neighborhood is composed of relatives from father's side.
Aww AUNTIEEE!!!! *________* I LOVE YOU! Ti voglio bene!!! <3
You are too sweet, my favorite auntie EVER! :* This is the most beautiful gift you could make me… a dedication! That just shows how big and caramel-sweet your heart is, dear Zia! Love you!
I need to do the same… Aww, I must! *___* I love you forever!
I would have never thought of Luana in those terms. I can see why you are so proud of her!
Is she like a daughter to you? I can feel a very strong bond between the two of you there, more than just aunt/niece, more than just friends too. It’s like if she’s your baby and you’re her mom. That’s so sweet in my opinion!
Oh dear, would you like to be affiliates? I’d be honored to add you between my friends.
Either on my subdomain linked here, or on http://pohlingcookies.com
I would be really glad if we were affies. So glad to meet you and you guys look adorable =D lovely picture. Im so happy Luana mentioned me, I adore Luana like a sister. She is truly a great great girl and friend =D