A letter to my grandson

My grandson is only a week old, and like any new grandmother, I’m feeling so happy and delighted, but I also have had a tinge of fear. At this very moment, there are such atrocities in this world that are unspeakable, yet there are so many things I wish I could show my grandson right away. His first beach, his first imposing mountain, a beautiful blue sky. My father used to say “what a time to be alive”, and I always felt the same, but not any more. In today’s world you need to be so careful and so smart.

I want to share a letter I wrote on the night of my grandson’s birth. I was filled with emotions and I hope one day, when he can read and for years after, he can look back and know just how much I wanted him to have a beautiful life.

To my dear grandson,

Welcome to the world. You might be reading this having lived on Earth for many days, weeks and years, but still, you have much to learn, in fact, you will never stop learning. One of the first things I’d like to teach you is to be kind to women. This may be difficult when you’re a young boy or man, but trust me: you will shine above all others when you treat a woman with respect. It’s as simple as that. In saying that, also be kind to other men too, and never fight fire with fire. Find a partner who is independent and able to stand on their own two feet. Any man or woman who seems too demanding probably is – love should be easy, so find someone with a good heart.

In the same vein, don’t be in a rush to get married. Push away from society’s idea that you need to find someone, get engaged, get married and have a baby. Nothing in your life should be done according to what you think others want for you – you should do what you believe is good and right, when the time is good and right. If you never do any of the above, I will still love you unconditionally.

My grandson, treat those with less than you as if they are no different from you. Our world is so diverse and despite there being so much money and wealth, many go hungry. Always give more than you take, and learn to welcome those of different races, cultures, creeds, colours, religions and sexual preference with open arms. A big, beautiful heart is where you will find happiness.

Don’t let society’s pressures get in your head, even though it might seem hard. Don’t work in a desk job you hate – explore the world. We have such freedom to escape, yet some will live and die in the same place. Save up and discover another culture or way of life from your own.

As I write this, the world is changing. We have technology that allows young men and women to compare themselves to one another, sometimes with falseness and selfishness. If I can give you one piece of advice about vanity, it’s to have none. What others think of you is not your business, and if you do all of the above, you will be able to say with certainty that you are a good person. Offer love instead of hate, peace instead of war, and giving instead of taking.

My grandson, treat life like the gift it is. Don’t take it for granted, and if you ever get lost or sad, remember that you are so loved, and that everything is temporary.

Share what you would say to your grandson below.