A letter to my Grandson

January 6, 2014

Dear Baby A-

 You came into our world today.  It was one of the coldest days in history and I’m pretty sure you weren’t quite ready yet but you’re here and we all could not be more excited!  I was so incredibly moved by how much love your Mommy and Daddy showed for one another before you arrived and I know how very lucky you are that they are going to share all that love with you now too.

 

 You had a HUGE cheering section of Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins waiting for you to arrive.  Always know how truly blessed you are to have so many people who love you.  I’m sure there will be times when it feels like we are smothering you with kisses and hugs or when you’re older and think we are all being ridiculously nosey or bossy it is always only because we love and care for you so much.

 

It was a long day today and at times we were all a little frightened so we said some prayers and they were all answered.  When Papa and I finally got to see you for the very first time Daddy was there holding your hand, he wouldn’t let it go and I think you better get use to it because he is always going to be there to protect you and Mommy.  I’m so blessed to have gotten to see when Mommy held you in her arms for the very first time she smiled so big that I knew you had just stolen her heart. 

 

It’s a big world out there you will learn much along life's journey but I thought I would just give you a few pointers that I have learned along the way and hope that if you ever have a day that you need reassuring or direction maybe you can rely on some of the wisdom I’ve gathered…

 

1)   Your FAMILY will always be your biggest FANS.  When you are little you will love and need us but there will come a day when you feel independent and you may want to distant yourself a bit, this is normal but know that we will still be here when you need us.  And you will.  And we will still be here to cheer you on just like the day you came into this world. 

2)   Always BE OPTIMISTIC.  Laugh and play and never take yourself too seriously but there will be times when you are sad.  It’s OK to cry when you are sad (even if you are a boy) but once you have cried promise to look past the thing that is making you sad and think of all the blessings in your life.

3)   RESPECT & HELP others. Don’t be mean or a bully and always stand up for those people and creatures that can’t do it for themselves.  If you look hard enough you can find the good in everyone and thing. 

4)   DO YOUR BEST.  You may not always come in first place and that’s OK as long as you in your heart know that you have done the very best that you can do.  Never settle for less then your best.

5)   Choose your WORDS carefully.  You will grow up a hunter so you will know about weapons such as guns and bows and arrows but also know one of the most dangerous weapons can be language.  Once you’ve said something you can’t take it back so think before you speak in haste or anger and always ask for forgiveness if you say words you don’t mean.

6)   FAIRNESS.  There are always two sides to every story don’t judge someone without knowing both sides.  And remember when someone gossips to you about someone else they would do the same about you so choose your friends well as their reflection becomes your character.

7)   Be HONEST.  Nothing good ever comes of a lie.  One lie will build to many and soon you will feel buried under a mountain so always tell the truth, but know there is a difference between the truth and good manners and don’t get them confused.

8)   DREAM.  Have an imagination and think about what you could do if you were unstoppable and then find a way to do it.  Find your creativity and passion and share it with others this will make your heart full and your life complete. 

9)   GIVE.  You will be blessed and although you may not always have the most I believe in my heart you will always have enough.  Remember there are others out there with less and be willing to share.

10)  LOVE.  Don’t ever be afraid to show love,  Sometimes you may mistake it and your heart may feel broken but know that it is strong.  When and if your heart breaks know that all of ours will be breaking too but it is better to LOVE and lost then to never LOVE at all, for it is the very best gift of all.  It makes the world a better place.

Anderson, I would like to say my greatest wish for you would be a PERFECT world but part of me thinks how BORING that would be.  Life is about choosing paths and then being able to retrace and take another, it is about the journey not the finish.  So I will be honest and say it won’t always be perfect but I do wish for you that the happy days out weigh the sad and for you to always know how very, very, very much you are LOVED!

 

I love you forever and then some…

Mimi Shel