As my grandchildren grow to adulthood my hope is that they will find a path in life that leads to their happiness and personal fulfillment. I see each of them having tremendous potential; they are attractive, intelligent, athletic, outgoing, family-oriented and committed to do their best in whatever activity they are engaged in at any given time. I realize that I view them through “grandfather eyes,” and as such, I will always support them publicly, while offering any critique privately.
I know that I will only be here for a small portion of their lives; while my hope is that I am here to see college graduations, their flirtations with love and if they choose their commitment to another though marriage, and their choice of a career, I know that life does not make us any promises. Cathy and I have attempted to be active in their lives since the day they were born. We attend all the events in their lives, vacation with them, and do things for them that we did not do for our three sons during their childhood and early adulthood. Yes, we have spoiled them, as grandparents are wont to do, but as I tell Cathy, life is all about creating beautiful memories, and I want each of them, when my wife and I are gone, to share stories about Grandma and Papa that are filled with love and laughter.
I want them to experience the happiness and joy of a beautiful life, and hope that, while life will throw them for a loss from time to time, that those moments are brief and easily overcome. I love them more than words could ever express, and as Emerson so beautifully states, This is my wish for you, “Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, love to complete your life.”
Jake and Ella – have a beautiful life!