A Letter to My Grandchild In Waiting...

Welcome little one. The very thought of you has unleashed a level of love in me that I wasn't sure existed. And even though you are now tucked inside the warmth and protection of your Mom, the anticipation of your arrival has given so many of us a feeling of exhilaration, a feeling of hope. You will be loved.

And what a start you'll have! I may be a little bias here, put your parents are amazing. I've especially learned this past year, that your father will back his love for you with support that is unwavering. You will always feel his hand gently on your back, as he guides you forward. I pray you inherit his strength and drive to get things done. And your mother...beautiful, smart, inquisitive and engaging. She will pass her love of reading and thirst for knowledge onto you. Along with her passion for Halloween, shopping and, most importantly, the beach. You would be wise to pay attention to this special lady.

And as for your grandparents, well, we will be like the second string, standing on the sidelines waiting for you to need us. Forgive us if we rush the field with every accomplishment you make. A first smile, a first step, the first glimpse of recognition, will send us over the edge. I know the love that is welling within me for you, I've seen the love in the eyes of your other grandparents when holding your cousin Grace, so be assured that everything I just said, is an absolute given.

Now, as for your uncles, aunts and cousins, well, let me put it this way, you won't be able to ramble through this loud, sometimes rowdy group, without tripping over outstretched arms waiting to gather you up! They are a fun bunch, this lot, on both sides. Family gatherings will be an adventure.

There is so much that I simply can't wait to share with you. But I can be patient while you grow and thrive in the most miraculous environment you'll ever experience. But when I can, when the time comes, I will hold you in my arms and whisper everything I know for sure into your ear. It won't take long. Because the first rule is, for "sure" is not always for "certain". As a matter of fact, my new love, it's all pretty much a crap shoot. Which is why the family that surrounds and supports you is so important.

Because of all of the love from your parents and family, life will be good for you, little one. But it won't be perfect all of the time.  But that's what gives it texture. How you handle it, is what defines your character. When ever I'm a little overwhelmed, I find looking out of my bedroom window at the glimmering stars against a dark sky reassuring. They've been there for tens of thousands of years. And nothing I do, accomplish or screw up, can ever change that. To me, it's a clear motivation, and absolute directive, to take chances. You can't always say goodnight to the moon. Rainbows come and go. But even when obscured by clouds, the stars are always there.

And so the journey begins...

I pray, my grandchild, that you are blessed with the ability to dream, and the want to achieve. I wish for you the inner quality to blend kindness with tolerance. But above all, it is my greatest hope that the love in your life is mixed generously with laughter! It is an unbeatable combination.

So, my love, until we meet, I remain,
Your Grandmother...in waiting
JoJo