Letters

When the children were born while I was in the hospital I wrote each of them a letter expressing my feelings for them at that time. The times when things were most crucial and my feelings for each of them were so new. I went to put Siena's letter in her baby book the other day and thought I would like to pull out the other letters and have a read. Just for fun. When I pulled out Kaylee's letter I noticed that the writing is getting a bit faint and it looks like something might have spilled on a bit of it. I decided I need to put them on here. I will still keep the originals in their baby books but I want to post them here so that I can print them off as part of our family journals.

When Kaylee was born Lee's dad wrote me a letter too. So to start here is the letter which Jeff wrote to me. It is Lovely. Such a nice letter and I thought I would share it with you all.

Dear Alisha,

I hope my note finds you and Minnie doing well, as you haven't picked a name yet Minnie is still an option!

I am so proud to have a daughter like you, I love you just as much and care for you just as deeply as my own children. You are indeed a sweet spirit and you have blessed our lives as well as that of Lee.

I supposed the baby is AWESOME! I cant wait to meet her, she has a wonderful heritage and parents that will bring out all that is best in her.

But this mote is for and about you. You have had a horrid time lately but be assured we were all praying for you. I love you Alisha and have done since we met, you are a fine young woman, I know of no better. When I was small I asked my mother what the word great meant. She pondered and offered this response, when you think of someone and you can think of lots of people who are good but you cant think of anyone who is better then that person deserves the epithet great. So, it is with that definition in mind that i say you are a great girl and will be a great mother.

This mortal life is so a short journey that seems longer than it is because we are impatient, but along the way there are milestones. The first milestone we see tell us how far we are from our starting point, they mark our progress, tell us how far we have come. Later milestones begin to inform us of the distance we have left to travel to reach out destination, they tell us how far we have to go. Parenthood is one of the first type of milestone, it shows you just how far along the lords planned route you have come. Grandparent hood is the first of the milestones that tell us how far we have left to go and so it is a time for sincere reflection.

I hope in my way I have been a good father, I hope to be an exceptional grandfather. I promise you, and Lee, that my little granddaughter will be cherished and loved like no other before her, that is my challenge.

Sometimes it is hard for a father to leave for work when his children are ill, lonely, want him to stay or are simply having fun. There are days that pass in oblivion because your mind is set at home and you are at work. Remember this and make sure that you and Lee spend lots of time with baby as she grows. I shudder when I hear people talk about quality time, quantity of time is best. Someone once said to me if you spend too much time with your children you will spoil them.... wrong.... if you spend too little time with them you will be tempted to spoil them with material things. You can not spoil a child with your time.

Love your child, don't smother her. Spend time with her but don't dote on her. Teach her and help her to stand, but occasionally let her fall.

Remember your priorities 1) the Saviour 2) Your Eternal Companion 3) Your Lovely Child.

Please take care and rest for the holidays because an exciting and busy time lays ahead. I'll see you soon.

Love Always,
Jeff