This didn’t present a problem until I wanted favored Aunt status. This task was ably assumed by Peaches. To the nieces and nephews she was Aunt Peaches, the grand dame of Aunts with a capital A.

            With radar precision Aunt Peach knew how to pierce the heart of any child within 1000 feet. As one nephew put it, “She must have kid pheromones.”

              My brother gifted us with one last niece. Maybe I could get just a little of that unadulterated adoration. Well, our niece Kendra wasn’t having any of it.

                Hands down, Aunt Peach was the favored Aunt. The two, crafted Kodak moments effortless. Seeing Aunt Peach, Kendra , ran with outstretched arms , Aunt Peach dropped to one knee, swooping her into a bear hug.             
            My last chance was slipping away and nothing I did could compare.  One day, Aunt Peach said, “Kendra, let Aunt Jeanette tell you a story.” Sitting in my lap,

I told her the Gunny Wolf, an African-American version of Little Red Riding Hood.

            Kendra loved the story, especially since I used her name. I told that story 5 or 6 times, using family names and she never tired of it.

            I didn't become the favored Aunt; I am content to share. We are close and from time to time we strengthen the relationship with a visit  to the imaginary storytelling world.