For a special someone

Dear Katy Joy,

I am your great aunt Joanna. By the time you are old enough to read this I may well be rocking around on my zimmer frame and not able to remember all the things I want to say to you. Tomorrow you get christened and so officially protected from the devil and all his works - it seems like a good time to give you my gift. To quote the song, "it's only words, and words are all I have", but they are for you alone.

You will not know the two people who have been so important to your mummy and grandmother. They will tell you about Mike, your grandfather, and Gangi, my mummy and your great grandmother. I hope you have their capacity for life and for loving people. They were both great lovers of life and enjoyed every moment they could. Remember that - grasp it with both hands and smile and love each and every second.

Janie, your granny, will tell you all about Mike - she has so many stories to tell you - and so does your mummy. When she was born there was almost a bad falling out because we all wanted to love her the most! The same with you. There is a huge capacity for love in this family and we give it freely to those who ask but we guard our hearts. Remember that - give your love but have a care for your own heart. I think you will always have love.

Gangi and Mike sometimes took the unexpected path and enjoyed the adventures that came their way. Your Aunt Katie does that - she loves the journey as I do. Your life will be a journey and although we would all love to map it out for you = you must travel your own path. Remember that, the journey should as much fun as arriving. Keep a merry heart and your journeys will be swift and joyous.

Gangi had only one real rule - be kind. Never let the unkind word or thought hurt others however much it might make you feel better. Kindness is easily given and always remembered. So be kind, to your friends and your family and your animals - because there will be dogs and cats and hamsters - be kind.

My most important gift in this letter is this  - treat every minute as if it was a precious stone, look at these people who love you so well and treasure their hearts. There is a golden chain that links you to all of us, it will never break and never fade and our love for you will always be there if you look for it.

Tomorrow afternoon I will see you smile at the vicar and I will see the smiles on the faces of those people who are there to show their love for you. It will probably make us all a  bit tearful but we are so glad to have you in our lives. Remember this - you have been a gift for us and we love and cherish you. My gift to you then, is this; my love and my heart for always.

Love you so much
Jona
xxx