I know that when I was young I don’t remember my grandparents. I remember them being there at my parents first home, and specifically moments with my father’s dad- Grandpa Joe! He used to sneak chocolate to me. Even when I think of it, it makes me smile. I see my dad. My dad loves chocolate and he may never knew his father did this with me. I mean I told him. But the picture will live forever in my head, and each time I think of it. I remember my grandpa made me smile. I never knew my mother’s parents. Just in pictures. My father’s mother was said to be a tough woman, rightfully so, she was beautiful, stern, and if she created my father, well then, she was awesome. I only remember the smell of her perfume. She reminded me of one of those picturesque women from the 1930’s.
One of the most beautiful things about having children is the cycle of life, and how it affects your parents. I really have never seen my parents happier. I really have never seen the diehard need to see a person, then from Ryan’s mother, Mary. His Father, Joe, is truly the cutest grandfather. He sends Jack the sweetest most thoughtful presents, and I just know he loves his grandson. I can see it in his eyes. She would literally jump on a plane overnight in a city (Which by the way she did) just to see Jack. It is really a part of life that I feel blessed to have witnessed. However, Mema, Jack’s great grandmother! Yes he has one. Ryan’s grandmother is that amazing, she is still with us, thankfully to the lord above. The moment that she saw Jack, well I am not sure I can even explain it. The love and the years of life just lit up in a way, that I was fascinated. He just looked at her, and she just hugged him.
The cycle of life is so precious, and it is the moments that when Jack is with his grandparents and even his great grandmother- it is these moments that are what life is all about. I believe that.
Jack here are some really great things I can say I remember from 2017- 2018 that I have seen from your great parents of your mom and dad-
- Every Wednesday you stay with your Grandpa and Grandma Betts. I drop you off and I go to work. Your Uncle Chris or God Mother come join them for support. You visiting the house I went to high school in is a trip for me. Nonetheless, when you visit it is like your time away to party. They give you all the treats, late bed time hours, short naps you want. They spoil you, and love you to the point it hurts for them to say bye to you when I pick you up to go home.
- Your grandma Mary, she has sent you so many gifts in the mail that I literally had to tell her to halt until your closet could permit. She looks forward to every three months to stay a whole 3 weeks at our home just to watch you grow.
- Your grandpa Joe is the entire reason why we know mini pancakes may be your favorite thing. He gave you your first Mickey Mouse and loves you to the moon and back. You took some of your first steps in his home in Albany, NY.
- Your great grandma Mema, the first minute you met her, you felt so comfortable you jumped onto her lap and let her feed you a bottle.
- You said Grandpa and Grandma before you used the word Mom.
- You follow your Grandpa- Dr. Betts like it is no one’s business, when he is around you want no one else.
- Your grandma Mary is the entire reason you look stylish.
- Your grandma Mila buys you fresh fruit the days she knows you are staying over and is the entire reason why you have 200 car toys at the age of 19 months.
- Your grandpa Joe, sent you your first Garbage Truck book, and is the foundation for you learning about what Garbage trucks do.
- Your Grandma Mary flew to Troy, NY for 24hrs just to see you during our trip to see Mema for the first time. We saw her for a total of 10 hours. That is serious love.
Jack- you are very lucky and the lord has blessed you with a gift, both your parents know life is special.
