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It’s been a while since I have sat down to write my grandchildren a letter. Did you know that letter writing and journaling inspired me to start Devoted Grandma in the first place? I love doing these things for my grandkids – I like to think of them as little keepsakes and pieces of their grandma that they will have even when I am gone.
Recently, I have thought a lot about how I hope to be remembered – by my friends, my children, and, of course, my grandchildren. I began writing down my hopes and thoughts and want to share them with you should you feel the same.
To My Beautiful and Beloved Grandchild:
As I sit here, I find it hard to start this letter, not because I lack the words, but rather because it feels strange to think about how one wishes to be remembered.
First and foremost, I hope that when you think of me, you’ll remember the laughter.
I hope you’ll remember that I could always find a reason to chuckle, even in the midst of life’s most challenging moments. Perhaps it’s my lifelong belief that laughter truly is the best medicine, or maybe I just find the world to be an endlessly amusing place, especially when you don’t always have your reading glasses on, and you mistake the oven mitt for the cat.
I also hope you’ll remember the strength that you inherited from me. Not the kind of strength it takes to open a stubborn jar of pickles, although I’ve been known to have my victories there as well.
No, I’m talking about the strength of spirit, of resilience, of being able to weather the inevitable storms that life brings and still find a way to see the rainbow after the rain. It’s the kind of strength that lets you face your fears, chase your dreams, and even try my infamous “everything but the kitchen sink” casserole.
In time, when the air is filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies, I hope it’ll take you back to my old kitchen, where you and I created not just delicious treats but memories that will outlast us both.
I hope you remember how we could turn flour and sugar into a conduit for love and how a simple cookie could tell a story, evoke a memory, or simply make an ordinary day feel a little more like Christmas.
I hope you’ll remember my endless curiosity and eagerness to learn new things, despite the occasional struggles with newfangled gadgets. (Remember that time when I confused Siri with a new neighbor?)
Yet, I never let those comical moments deter me from trying, laughing, and learning.
Above all, my dear, I hope you remember how much I loved you and how proud I was of every little thing you achieved.
Remember the twinkle in my eye every time I looked at you, for you are, and always will be, the shining star in my universe. Even when you’re all grown up, in my eyes, you will always be that precious grandchild who could turn my greyest days into a ray of sunshine.
Finally, I hope that when you remember me, it’s not with sadness but with a heart full of love, a spirit of resilience, and a dash of humor. I hope you remember that life is a wonderful journey, meant to be savored like your Grandpa’s famous Sunday roast. Slowly, joyfully, with heaps of gravy and maybe a spot of trouble with the peas.
With all the love in my heart,
Grandma
