A Letter from Nana

My dear Bo,

Nothing is the same since you came into our lives a little over a year ago. Your presence has changed us all. We all smile more, especially your momma and daddy. You've breathed new life and hope into our family. I'm even convinced the sun shines brighter and the rain has more purpose since you've arrived here on this planet. The cool thing is that I have the privilege of loving you after I've already loved your momma. I've lived long enough to know how the story ends. My love for you is not tainted with crazy worry and silly expectations. It's only "right now" when I'm with you.

At this point in my life, I can rest in the knowledge that your momma, Uncle Sam and Uncle Will know what I believe to be true about them, about the world, about love AND I'm planning on living long enough to share the same with you, for what it's worth. But, if that should not come to be then I wanted to leave these with you -- just a few things I want you to know and do.

1. Love always wins.
That's because it's bigger than you and me. It was here before us and it will be here after us. You can't really ever understand Love. It's a Mystery. It's the Divine. It's inside you and every other living thing you encounter. Even in the people that are different from you and maybe a little bit mean and maybe make bad choices. Love is there, even in the dark places. It's up to you to claim it. Share it, give it  out with wild abandon. Love yourself. Allow others to heap lots of love on you, even if it feels a little scary or awkward. Love will catch you when life gets complicated and messy and hard. Love doesn't let go.

2. Be kind to the earth.
She's our Mother after all. She has provided food and shelter, beauty and wonder. The intricacies of the earth and all its life is a testament to the existence of something greater than even you.The way the tide comes in, the moon changes phases, the seasons come and go can keep you amazed and grateful for all of your years. Leave only your essence as you pass through. My generation has not been good to the earth. We have let greed and convenience win out when it comes to our natural resources. For this, I'm deeply sorry. You can do better.

3. Read some every day.
You're one of the lucky kids, just like your mom, just like your nana. Our mother's read to us from the very beginning of our lives. From that, we know that words matter. They can encourage, persuade, enlighten, entertain. Words and stories give us empathy for those who are different from us. So when you are older and no longer with your momma -- Read. You can skip brushing your teeth every now and then but you should seriously read every day.

4. Say Yes more than No.
Wanna go dancing? Yes
Wanna climb Mt. Everest? Yes
Wanna go to the nursing home to visit Nana? Absolutely
Wanna take a really hard math class and read every book in the library? Duh.
Wanna learn to plant a garden? Who doesn't.
Wanna volunteer at the homeless shelter? yes

Trust me, most of the time, yes is the right answer. By the time you are 18, your mother will have clued you into all of the times you should say no.

5. You are safe, and you are loved -- always.
Life is hard, Bo. Someone you love will die. Someone will betray your trust. Sometimes your physical, mental and emotional pain will feel like it's bigger than you, but that isn't the truth, my dear boy. (See Lesson Number 1. Love Wins!)Your mom and dad, your grandparents (all of them), your greats, your uncles, your friends, the very Divine will always be close to you, and together we will keep each other safe from harm.

And, finally, Bo, please know that you were created in the very image of God. Remember always whose you are.

I love you.
Nana