Letter to My Granddaughter
Dear Madison,
The birth of a grandchild is an event that brings joy, hope and a lot of reflection. Your birth reconfirmed this. You are a family treasure.
Like any grandparent, I understand our age difference, time and every young person’s inclination to ignore advice will marginalize my influence. But that’s okay, because it’s natural. I’ve jotted down a few notes while remembering how much advice I ignored. Maybe, you’ll be smarter.
It’s a big universe out there. At times it will scare you, at times it will astonish you, at times you will feel abandoned by it and at times you will think you own it. That’s natural, so enjoy the good times and file the bad times in your memory for future reference.
People will tell you that you can learn from your mistakes. That’s true—failure offers that opportunity. And I can guarantee that you will make bad decisions and suffer the consequences.
Just keep in mind that it’s easier to learn from other people’s mistakes. Learning what works and doesn’t work through observation eliminates punishment, remorse and embarrassment—the penalties for bad decisions and misspent time. So be vigilant.
Of all the possessions you will acquire and treasure in your lifetime, there is only one that is important—your reputation. Always guard it because it’s not replaceable and is difficult to repair. Know that popularity is rooted in acquiescing to group standards. Don’t trade your integrity for the sake of being popular, as it will erode your sense of self-worth. So honor yourself.
Although I can’t prove it, there is a God. You’ll do just fine if you remember that God doesn’t negotiate. God endowed you with a free will and has been around long enough to know your behavior won’t be perfect. Your parents also understand this, although they will be reluctant to admit it.
All three have heard a lot of excuses and probably appreciate the really good ones. Just keep in mind that if you are smart enough to hide an indiscretion behind an excuse, you may dupe your parents, but God can’t be fooled. Always remember that deception and especially self-deception are games without winners. So respect God’s intelligence and be true to yourself.
By chance you were born in a country that offers a smorgasbord of opportunities. Without a good education, you will be restricted to a lifetime of sack lunches. Formal education is not a punishment perpetrated by parents on their children—although at times you will think so.
Education opens doors that turn dreams into reality. It’s the fuel that your future will run on. But be aware that education is a destination without a finish line. Diplomas are mile posts, not goals. So never stop learning.
You will hear a lot about love. It is not a commodity. Love is a bond without small print. It’s nurtured by patience, caring and understanding and carries no guarantees. It can be lost or betrayed. It can make you behave foolishly. Never confuse love with an obligation or a test, or you’ll suffer disappointment. Love requires practice. So begin slowly by loving yourself.
And remember that voting for a Democrat is usually bad because they despise personal initiative, love of God and your freedom to excel. Let your ethics and morality be your only boundaries. So vote Republican.
The birth of a grandchild is an event that brings joy, hope and a lot of reflection. Your birth reconfirmed this. You are a family treasure.
Like any grandparent, I understand our age difference, time and every young person’s inclination to ignore advice will marginalize my influence. But that’s okay, because it’s natural. I’ve jotted down a few notes while remembering how much advice I ignored. Maybe, you’ll be smarter.
It’s a big universe out there. At times it will scare you, at times it will astonish you, at times you will feel abandoned by it and at times you will think you own it. That’s natural, so enjoy the good times and file the bad times in your memory for future reference.
People will tell you that you can learn from your mistakes. That’s true—failure offers that opportunity. And I can guarantee that you will make bad decisions and suffer the consequences.
Just keep in mind that it’s easier to learn from other people’s mistakes. Learning what works and doesn’t work through observation eliminates punishment, remorse and embarrassment—the penalties for bad decisions and misspent time. So be vigilant.
Of all the possessions you will acquire and treasure in your lifetime, there is only one that is important—your reputation. Always guard it because it’s not replaceable and is difficult to repair. Know that popularity is rooted in acquiescing to group standards. Don’t trade your integrity for the sake of being popular, as it will erode your sense of self-worth. So honor yourself.
Although I can’t prove it, there is a God. You’ll do just fine if you remember that God doesn’t negotiate. God endowed you with a free will and has been around long enough to know your behavior won’t be perfect. Your parents also understand this, although they will be reluctant to admit it.
All three have heard a lot of excuses and probably appreciate the really good ones. Just keep in mind that if you are smart enough to hide an indiscretion behind an excuse, you may dupe your parents, but God can’t be fooled. Always remember that deception and especially self-deception are games without winners. So respect God’s intelligence and be true to yourself.
By chance you were born in a country that offers a smorgasbord of opportunities. Without a good education, you will be restricted to a lifetime of sack lunches. Formal education is not a punishment perpetrated by parents on their children—although at times you will think so.
Education opens doors that turn dreams into reality. It’s the fuel that your future will run on. But be aware that education is a destination without a finish line. Diplomas are mile posts, not goals. So never stop learning.
You will hear a lot about love. It is not a commodity. Love is a bond without small print. It’s nurtured by patience, caring and understanding and carries no guarantees. It can be lost or betrayed. It can make you behave foolishly. Never confuse love with an obligation or a test, or you’ll suffer disappointment. Love requires practice. So begin slowly by loving yourself.
And remember that voting for a Democrat is usually bad because they despise personal initiative, love of God and your freedom to excel. Let your ethics and morality be your only boundaries. So vote Republican.
posted by David at
7:47 AM
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