great-grandparents and grandparents are in unique positions, especially when grandchildren get introduced into the family. they have the opportunity to shape the memories and experiences of the kids with their extensive knowledge and life experiences, as well as their love.

i’m glad that ellie has people around her, like my grandmother, who seem determined to leave an impression, even if it isn’t understood or appreciated until long after they’re gone.

grandma sent ellie some really nice gifts for christmas and her first birthday, but we just received them yesterday. it’s like christmas all over! she also sent a really cute and thoughtful poem along with the gifts.

these are the things that ellie will discover later in life and hopefully they will make her realize how much she was loved, even by people she didn’t get to see very often.

ellie dear, it’s your special day
12 whole months have flown away
you’re not a little baby anymore
but a sweet little girl for us to adore
we eagerly await your first baby word
will it be mama or dada we hear?
whichever it is will be sweet to our ear
your future awaits you to enjoy your life through
together we send all our love to you
the world awaits you with open arms
you’ll take it by storm with all your charms
just remember, dear, our dreams go with you
we know you’ll protect them
and make them come true

all my love,
great-grandma joan