Do you have an auntie or uncle who has been a big part of your growth and support over all your years? Well today honors all those aunties and uncles out there. That’s right: just like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, let’s also recognize the critical role of those supportive, unconditionally loving aunties and uncles. Take a little extra time today to show them appreciation, remembering that raising healthy, happy children is a collective effort of families and our kids need those additional role models and support systems.  

Maybe you’re one of those people who had a closer relationship with an auntie or uncle than your mom or dad. Or maybe you had a certain affinity or admiration for that relative who inspired you and reminded you to be yourself. When I think of legendary aunts or uncles, I think of the storyteller and folklorist, Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, who writes and speaks about her beloved Aunt Edna. This auntie taught her how to be alive, question her perceptions, and dare to be boldly herself. Estes describes Aunt Edna as dressing like a pirate and wearing big red shoes. While the other adults sometimes recoiled at Edna, she represented something else for the kids: confidence in being different, in being grateful to stand out and be an individual.  

Do you have an auntie or uncle who has played a significant role in your sense of self-worth, too? My late uncle Don, my mom’s older brother, died a few years back and he was no doubt my favorite uncle. He was the funny uncle, the one who always sent us birthday cards with booger jokes and knew how to see the lightness and silliness in heavy situations. But this was not because he was shallow or irreverent. Uncle Don was deeply religious and someone who never missed church or an opportunity to give thanks. Even though we always knew him as the “funny uncle” I was moved by the way he met his impending death. “I know that I’ve lived a good life and I’m ready to meet my Creator. In fact, I can’t wait to be reunited again with the Creator,” he said.  

If you are blessed to have these special relatives in your life today, make a little extra time to reach out to them and thank them. Showing gratitude is not only good for them but it is good for us: it’s one of the single best things you can do for your own mental health and trust in life.  

And if you happen to be that very special auntie or uncle, give some love and gratitude to yourself, knowing that you make a difference in your niece(s) and nephew(s) lives. Thank you to all the special relatives out there who give so much to the youth and kids.  

Here’s to your good health! 

It’s okay not to feel okay 

If you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use please reach out to us. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. We are here for you. Please contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division at 970-563-5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist.  

Reminder: If you need to talk to someone, please reach out.  

And for those interested in opioid use education, harm reduction, and support, please contact us for quick Naloxone (Narcan) training and fentanyl test strips. We can schedule individual, family, or friends training times at our Southern Ute Behavioral Health Building, or we can come to you, and the training is around 30 minutes. Please call us at 970-563-5700 to set up a training appointment.