Tuesday, December 11
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December 10, 2007
Dear Gloria,
I had the most lovely time playing with you on the floor of your grandmother's kitchen today. I look forward to next year when you will move those adorable fingers enough to help your mom & I actually decorate sugar cookies. I'm sorry you only got to eat the cookie crumbs today but you seemed to prefer the Cheerios anyway. You are truly a beautiful girl despite the fact that your mom and I cannot decipher the true color of your hair- is it red? strawberry blond? brown? I was bald until I was two so consider yourself incredibly lucky to have bangs at 15 months. I'm not sure if it is the round blue eyes, the brilliant gummy smile, or the creamy skin that just makes you radiate. Most likely a combination of everything.
As I adventured with you in the kitchen, I rediscovered pieces of my own childhood. Your mom & I have been friends for over twenty years and there are still pieces of pottery and decoration around the house that I remember from being small. Certain things are still kept on the lowest cabinets for easy, munchkin access. Unfortunately the magical tree house out back is no longer but I am sure you will not despair since Grandpa's swimming pool took it's place. Your mom and I, friends since the same Prairie Elementary School that we now romp with you on the playground equipment, marvel at the fact your childhood takes place in our childhood places. Our own toes so many years back were curled on the edge of that very playground we take you to now. One of my fondest memories is standing at the edge of that playground with your mom, our eyes transfixed on a July harvest moon rising in the east. We were trying so hard that summer to connect to something- anything- bigger than us & our 15 year old troubles. Just this year we realized all those times we spent sitting out on the warm asphalt of my driveway, gazing up at the moon and talking quietly to it while counting stars, was us trying to connect to faith.
I love watching you play with your mom, feeding her Cheerios & excitedly using words with Beebeebeees because the letter just feel so darn good in your mouth. It will be quite a while before you see just how amazing and wonderful you are in your mom's eyes. For that, we are all so thankful that you came into all of our lives at just the right time. I just want to take a moment to emphasize you how tremendously blessed you are to be born as a Henry. Your mom has been played the role of an older sister, a very loyal friend, and a wise, wise woman to me. I have no doubts that you will be adequately educated on Walt Whitman, boys, car engines, Led Zeppelin, the true existence of Unicorns, and God. Somehow you have already been pre-programmed to understand computers & have an eye for detail. This is your father's doing. No doubt will you also have strong, well developed opinions, an intrinsic passion for life, a brilliant mind, a way with words, and a witty sense of humor.
I look forward to knowing you, Little G. I know that things wont always be as Cheerio-fantastic as they are at 15 months but I do know you have the most warm, loving family. Your mom, her brothers (even Dan with the flowing, thick mane of hair), sisters, and parents have taken me in many a night including Christmas Eve when I battle my own sadness about family members lost. I will forever be thankful for you and your mom & hope to play with you for as long as it is cool to bake cookies with your mom and aunt.
With all my love,
Jenny
posted by Jenny Tuesday, December 11, 2007
