Dear Toffee nut latte
I still remember, we first met 10 years ago now, in December 2006. It was at this small Starbucks outlet at Latifa Hospital (which was then the Al Wasl Hospital). To most people, you (complete with your red cup look) remind them of Christmas time and memories associated with this festive season. For me, you signify so much more – you remind me of the way I felt when my niece and nephew were born.
I’ve been close to my older sister all my life. I think it’s good to say that she is my closest friend ever…my BFF…my life would be incomplete without her! I was excited when she was pregnant with girl and boy twins, and I was with her at every step in the pregnancy journey – till outside the delivery suite.
The overwhelming feeling I felt when I saw my niece and nephew for the first time cannot be explained. I guess every aunt who dotes on her nieces or nephews can relate to this. Every mother knows the love one feels for those tiny newborn bundles, is unmatched like no other love. I felt that strong love when I was just 22, even though they were not ‘my own’.
My sister had some complications at delivery, due to which she was in the hospital for 5 days or so. I was accompanying her at that time and used to go down to the Starbucks below for my Toffee Nut Latte whenever I had some time to myself. The caffeine helped me survive the sleepless and uncomfortable nights at the hospital.
Over the last 10 years, my niece and nephew have grown to love me as much as I love them. Life has moved on and changed a lot in the last 10 years, but my love for them hasn’t. I have shed many tears of happiness and pride at school concerts, sports days and for academic achievements, just like a mother would.
I’ve always loved little girls for the cute ways of dressing them up – the hair accessories, the tutus, the princess dresses. I’m blessed with two sons but always miss the feeling of having a daughter of my own. During moments like these, I’m grateful for my niece, my pretty little princess, whom I can love like my very own daughter.
I’ve always loved both of them like I love my own sons and hope to do so forever. My sons are crazy about them and look up at them with love and respect that siblings, not cousins, get. I hope and pray to God that the love remains forever and they can all be close friends when they grow up.
Thank you, Toffee Nut Latte for coming back every year, as each year you remind me of these special memories that make me all warm and fuzzy inside, just like a sip of you does!
With Love,
A Doting Aunt
Toffee Nut Latte is a hot and cold caffeinated beverage by Starbucks Corporation. It is a seasonal beverage that is featured on their menu during the months of November to January. This post is not sponsored by or related to the Starbucks Corporation.
