The day you were born, I began to live again. You touched parts of my heart that I didn’t realize existed. As I watched you grow and with each step you took in your young journey, I was right there with you – coaching from the sidelines – hoping that a little part of me was being reborn. When you’re blessed to have children of your own, you’ll know what I mean. When you become a grandmother, you’ll completely understand. Our lives go on through our children and theirs.

We developed a close relationship from the start. You have always been a bit of a spitfire. When you were old enough to write your own words, you gave me a homemade Christmas card which proclaimed me as the “Best Grandma on my mother’s side.” I hung tightly to that title and still do. You’ve always been an outgoing person. Both your parents are too, so it’s only natural that you’d follow suit. You inherited the best of both of them. You have your dad’s determination, spunk and good work ethic. Your mom blessed you with compassion, love and a good work ethic. It only stands to reason that a good work ethic will follow you through your future as you decide where your career will take you.

On the day of your baptism, you became a member of God’s family. That was a special day for us too. Both of your great grandmothers were present for the occasion. It’s because of their heritage that you followed in their footsteps. The Holy Spirit was working within you already at an early age. Our hearts were overjoyed when you were confirmed in your faith, because we know that thiswill lay a strong foundation for your future.

I remember writing in my journal about you during those years. Photographs could not begin to express how I felt about you. You’ve always been precocious, feisty, a little tough with a balance of love and tenderness. I remember when you would come to our house and play with a friend you found in our neighborhood. She was the same age as you. In fact you shared a birthday and so did your moms. The two of you would play with Barbies and had fun invading my costume stash so you could dress up and make up your own stories. We’d share time baking cookies, going to movies, watching movies at home, reading books, playing games and getting to know each other. You once recalled how those things were such good memories for you. I think you were about six when you remembered some of those times and said, “Those were the good old days.”

Soon there will be more memories of the”good old days.” Each step you take throughout your life will establish the woman you become. We’re so proud of all your accomplishments so far and know that this is just the beginning for you. Now that you’re anchored in God’s love, I know that you’re prepared for the next steps. You’ve completed a very important chapter in your life. You will experience many more. There will be obstacles along the way – new challenges – changes in plans – boundaries – life style – questions and fears. Remember that God is right there with you and will always be. He will never let you down. He will always love you. He has forgiven you and promised you a home in heaven. He is your rock and fortress in the days to come. My prayer is that I’ll be around to share in some of those milestones with you.

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson