My niece's mother (my brother's wife) died when she was just 4 years old. Due to the circumstances and her mother's health, my niece and I spent a lot of time together when she was young. I like to consider her my first daughter. I cut my teeth on her.

Admittedly, it's a much easier gig to be an Aunt than a parent. I wasn't the one who had to make her brush her teeth or take a bath -- I got to do all the fun stuff -- take her shopping, take her skating, make crafts, etc.

She's 12 now and we don't get the chance to spend much time together anymore. She's got her own life and a new step-mom, and I've got two girls of my own taking up my most of my free time.

So, I was thrilled when she said she'd go to the Sugarland concert with me. Frankly, I was having a hard time finding a friend to go with. The husband wasn't real interested and neither were my usual concert friends. The show was Saturday night at the Erie Civic Center, and they rocked!

Excellent as the show was, the best part of the evening was spending a night with my niece — learning about her friends and who likes who and which teachers are evil and what subjects she loves (and hates)... getting a glimpse of the woman that lies within.

And, by taking her to her first concert where I had the chance to teach her concert fundamentals — "You must dance, sing out loud and never, ever, ever sit down" — I got to leave my Mommy hat at home and cut loose in my roll as the Aunt-in-charge-of-all-that's-fun.