Kin

It took me several seconds to realize he was addressing me.

I was just walking away from a group of children with whom I had been discussing the menu for tonights BBQ when I heard "Auntie, Auntie".

I turned to see two gorgeous brown eyes set in a beaming face..."Can we have brownies with ice cream for dessert?"
Smiling, (as any indulgent aunt would), I replied 'Yes".
"With syrup and sprinkles?"
"Of course."

He gave me a quick hug and then ran to catch up with his brothers and sisters.

Mitakuye Oyasin: Lakota for "we are all related".
It is one of their most deeply held beliefs.

When seeing it operationalized by a 3 yr old heart, it is pure gift.