LETTER TO EMMA - do not open til 2017

July 31, 2007

Dear Emma,

I wished that when I was your age someone from the past cared enough to write me a letter. I may not be alive when you read this, if I am, hooray, but I’m not much to look at anymore – one way or the other. I’m your Great Grama Shirl.

I’ve spent way too much time thinking of the future – of my grand and great and great great grandchildren – I’m really obsessed thinking about those I’ll never get to meet.

You, especially are on my mind, only because on this day, July 31, 2007 your mother, my beautiful granddaughter Kristi, is carrying you. You really fooled her sweetheart. She was so sure you were a boy. She wore a pretty blue shirt stretched over her tummy - the word ‘Prince’ and an arrow pointed to you. I hope you get to see the shirt. Your grandma Debbie, your great grama Darline and I - your great grama Shirl – We are thrilled! I imagine you and Audrey, keeping your parents on their toes.

Today was very, how can I say….difficult. I must confess – your name Emma is hard for me to accept. But, by now I’m sure you’ve grown into it and it’s comfortable. I have to apologize, Amy seemed a better choice. Anything was a better choice. Emma is so trendy today, like Debbie in the 50s and Shirley in the 30s. But your mother is very stubborn.

Now stubbornness can be a good thing – when you’re faced with the prospect of taking a drag of weed, or one too many shots of Tequila – but if I could pass any sense of responsibility to you, or my future generations, it would be this – Stubborn is good in the realm of Godliness. No, I’m not preaching. I never preach. I’ve never believed in ‘guilt trips’. Your mom will explain a 'guilt trip'. I believe in choices with happy endings. It’s so simple.

Your stubborn mom, my beyond beautiful granddaughter, chose Emma for your name.

You will not believe the conversation this afternoon, - your Grandmother Debbie (whom I idolize), your great grandmother Darline (The wisest and best great-grama in the world) and I, sat on my patio overlooking the golf course. You would have enjoyed hearing about you before you were born. We were in agreement – even the grampas – great grampa AJ, and great grampa Bob (doubtful you will get to meet him since he’s in his 80s), we hoped your mother would put her stubborn streak aside - for just a moment, - and give you a beautiful name, one as beautiful as you really are.

We talked about a lot of things. Your great grampa AJ had just lost his mother. I lost mine this last March. But in all of this – life goes on and we make choices. My prayer is that you will be stubborn like your mother. Stubborn to have the wisdom to make good choices leading to happy endings. I say it’s simple, but it really isn’t.

You and Audrey are very lucky. Lucky, because you have good parents who take parenting very seriously. My wish for you and Audrey is that you will enjoy life, your childhood, your teen and adult years as something to be treasured – to enjoy but understand the responsibilities and rewards that come with it.

Above all, I wish you love. I know this family will give you more than you will ever need. Don't be stingy with it, pass it around. I know you will.

Hugs and Kisses,
Great Grama Shirl

PS: I just received great news today (October 1, 2007) – I’m so thrilled, your name will be Kaitlyn Shea. Perfect! I guess your mom isn't so stubborn after all - only where it really matters. xxoo