For Granddaddy...

Too many times we wait until it's too late to tell the ones we love just what they mean to us. I want to do that for all those I love...starting with my Grandfather who gave us all a scare last week. Some will be posted here. Others will be sent privately. Others won't be words, but deeds for those who are so close in my everyday life that I take them for granted.

Hi Grandaddy,

I am sorry I can't be there with you now. I want to say a few things to you and I hope that you will understand and accept my thoughts in words. I know you are surrounded by people who love you so very much, people whom you love. All of our thoughts and wishes are for your quick recovery and comfort. Our concern for you comes from a lifetime of love that you have shared with all of us. I want to say thank you for that lifetime. Thank you for always being so happy to see us when we visited you. Thank you for visiting us, for laughing with us, for teaching us. I have never seen you show anything but compassion for every person you've ever met, and even when you were angry with us as kids, you were still gentle and loving. I think I can speak for all of your grandchildren when I say that we all know you love us unconditionally. We all value the lessons you have taught us, and we all hold our own special memories of our time together. What I believe about the world and God and love...so much of that came from being your granddaughter. Thank you for being the special person you are. Thank you for being the best grandfather I could have every asked for. Thank you for being you. I love you so very much and strive to be the kind of person I see in you.

Love, Jeannie

This note, I sent to be read to him last week. My aunt requested I print it here for him to read again now that he is home.