At 3:30AM, I got an urge to write a letter to one of my granddaughters who lives in Scottsdale and will be going away to college soon.
Dearest Grandchild,
Although I’ve not been near you geographically as you’ve grown up, you have always been on my mind and in my heart. One of the highlights of all my years as you were growing up was being able to come see you and the rest of your beautiful family.
When you live with someone you don’t really notice the changes as they grow up because you’re also growing with them. However, when you only see someone once or twice a year, changes are very apparent. I first saw you as a little baby, and then you were one, and then two, five, 10, and now almost ready to go away to college. Amazing wonderful changes.
Grandparents have the best of all worlds with grandkids. We don’t have to yell at you about such trivial things like your room being a dump. Or eat your veggies, comb your hair. We’d never say you’re going to put your eye out with that thing or that you have a bad attitude. We don’t even have to stay up at night worrying that you might be hanging out with the wrong crowd or that you might get into an accident on the way home. We just show up at your house and enjoy your beautiful life for a few days and then vanish for another six months or so.
I am so very proud of what you’ve grown into; a beautiful person with a wonderful attitude and Christian principles. How perfect is that? You’re a gift from God and an asset to everyone you touch. With the gifts you’ve been given you can be anything you want to be, so don’t ever make any small plans. Reach for the stars, honey, and they will reach right back.
I love you very much and if I ever have another grandchild, I hope she/ he is a clone of you.
