Asking for a handhold

[NunsKnickers]

I wondered if I could have some support from fellow childfree people as you may understand.

My neice is going through a serious healthscare at the moment. I'm feeling very emotional and a bit tearful about it, my DH and I are very close to her and she's very precious to us all.

I don't want to burden my parents or her parents as they are obviously worried and upset and need to focus on her.

My friends and colleagues are lovely and kind but have children so I don't think they really understand my feelings. I'm probably being unfair on them but I get the feeling that the think I'm over reacting as she's my neice and not my daughter, if you see what I mean.

It's hard to explain what I mean, but I just thought some of you may understand.

When you love and care for someone deeply, of course you are going to be emotional. It doesn’t matter if that person is a blood relative (close or distant) or not.
Love doesn’t make a distinction.

Unmumsnetty hugs.

Thanks @Alphabet1spaghetti2, you are right of course. I don't know why I'm feeling weird about it, I'm allowed to be upset about anyone I care about going through a difficult situation.

It would never occur to me to "judge" (if that's the right word) because she's your niece. Nieces are very close family, of course it's understandable that you're emotional and completely understand its hard for you to have to be strong for the rest of the family.

Though I do see what you mean, I was very close to my auntie and I always wondered if people thought I was over reacting because she wasn't my mum.

I hope everything will be OK, be kind to yourself and try not to worry about what others think. Family is family

I am really sorry to hear about your niece. Of course you have 'the right' to be upset about anyone you love. It doesn't matter if it's your guinea pig, your friend, your sibling, your child or your partner, everyone is allowed to love and feel. I really hope your niece is ok and she's very lucky to have people who love her and care about her while she's going through a difficult time so I'm sure she appreciates you.

Hoping your niece will be OK

Sending love @NunsKnickers x

Thank you all, I really appreciate the kind words and the understanding. 🙂

Very much this. I can't think of a better way to put it, to be honest.

I hope everything will be OK x

OP, I totally understand. My niece had a big health crisis last year, and I couldn't sleep with the worry of it. I love her so much.
Sending love to all your family

I’m so sorry. I hope your niece recovers.

My niece is also going through a health scare she's always been like a daughter to me so I'm naturally anxious.