Dear Grandchildren (Joseph, Nora, Eve, Mika, Emi, Kellen),
I have often shared how fortunate your grandparents have
been. We had gifts of great children who, in turn, gave us such wonderful
people through marriage.
Today, I want to be sure that you know how much a gift each
one of you has been. Every time you hug us or tell us that you love us, we
realize how precious you are to us. Since you are so young, it may be hard now
to appreciate the gift. It is only with time that you realize that such gifts are
not routine. They are never to be taken for granted. We don’t for sure.
Yesterday, I was in Stop and Shop doing some shopping. All
of sudden, I have the joy of having a face call, urged by our 2 year old who
wanted to show her new dress to Grandpa. If you reading this now, you probably
would think that this is no big thing. But, I assure you that it is and it
never gets old. Each time the little one calls makes an indelible mark on my
spirit.
Recently, Mika and Emi have been fixated about wanting to
get older. Emi know that her birthday will be coming soon on May 3. She has
been talking about her birthday party already. Mika has shared that she can’t
wait until she is seven.
Yesterday, they changed their orientation completely. They
(both of them agreed) told Grandma that they no longer wanted to grow old. They
had figured out if they stopped growing old, then we would also not get any
older. At such a young age, they were aware that our deaths would represent a
serious loss.
I hope that when you do, in fact, get much older, you will
be able read this message and realize how special you all have been to us.
We treasure the pictures of Joseph fishing with his father
or Eve sharing her new clothes. Nora presence was uniquely special since she is
the only grandchild that we provided childcare as a new born. For the first
year of her life, each of us would share the week caring for Nora and to this
day, to see to her arms and legs gyrate in joy when I came to the house is
stamped into my memory.
I know that we may have many more moments with you that are
comparably special, but know that our lives have been blessed beyond any
reasonable expectation. You are treasured gifts.
Grandma and Grandpa
