I have grown up with my older sister and younger brother along with my mom. My father was never really around, although always there in a way. It’s hard to explain. My sister got pregnant at fifteen years old with a boy and had him in May of 2009. I watched him grow while my sister was there living with us before she turned eighteen and got her own apartment. I grew very close to him and he filled my life with joy and happiness. A feeling I will NEVER forget. I look to my nephew as he is my own. I love him and would do anything for him. The night my niece was born, he spent it with me and we went together the next day to meet her for the first time. They grew an incredible bond and soon I did with her as well. I used to get anxiety and worry about them when I didn’t see them for a few days. My sister lived two minutes away and I always had my nephew and niece after work. Then… in June, my heart broke into a million pieces. My sister is being accused of a horrible thing and it’s bringing up too much memories to go into detail but the day my niece was at the hospital I was there with her. She is only a one year old and I seen her had to be pricked with needles in both hands and feet because they couldn’t draw blood from her veins. My sister had to leave the hospital and the detective asked me to watch over my niece until they both got back. Now, let me say this. And God as my witness… This crime my sister is being accused of was no more than an accident. I wouldn’t say this if it wasn’t true because then that’s endangering the kids. But I know and I am willing to stand before god or a judge and say that my sister is innocent. This has effected everyone in my family and tore us all apart because it’s so hard not having the kids in our lives…I was already going down a really rough road before the state ended up taking both of them. I remember seeing my nephews face before leaving my house, the look of worry on his face as he just sat in the recliner… his stare. That was the last time I saw him. Back at the hospital while I was with my niece. When they had to draw blood, I remember having to look in her eyes and tell her it was okay… that she just needed to look into my eyes and it would be okay. Believe it or not, she calmed down and did stare at me while they did it. She fell asleep in my arms right after. Then she was admitted into the hospital and I was told that the state took my nephew already and that she was going to be treated and taken away as well…It’s been 6 months since they have been gone… does anyone have advice? Do I have rights as an aunt to visit them? Someone please…