The Letter
July 20, 2006
Rather than buy gifts for our Granny and Papa (dancing in the post above this one) this year, Joel (my brother) and I decided to write them a letter.
Dear Granny and Papa,
Raising kids isn t easy. Raising someone else s kids must be even harder. But the two of you took us on without a second thought. Well if you had any second thoughts, we sure sure didn t know about it. That old expression about the apple not falling far from the tree must have scared you, as you made that decision to take us both in.
Thankfully, for all of us, the apple fell from the tree, clearly knocking something loose on the first hit, and Joel and I reaped all the apple-y goodness that you both possess.
You ve taught us a lot about life. Like how to burp a frog until it s guts squish out, so he sinks. And how to put that gross little bugger on the hook to catch, uh, seaweed. Just kidding Papa! How to fillet a fish and hang the fish in a tree so the animals can be teased all day.
You taught us how to iron a shirt so stiff that it could jack up that old car Uncle Timmy had in the driveway for 400 years. How Papa put his arms through those cardboard creations is still a mystery. It must be a secret for the family vault.
You taught us how to make pancakes so light, they float away. How to treat animals kindly with maple cookies on a tree stump, or toast and jelly, every morning. Rest in peace, Patches, you old fleabag.
You taught us how to stop and watch nature, or how it watches you, like the raccoons in the tree watching Papa move endless piles of dirt. Or the one he thought was Patches, while sitting at the bonfire one night. He reached down and pet Patches for a few minutes before looking down at a little bandit, 3 years after Patches had died. We watched a snake eat a frog, and a parade of turtles be born and mosey on down to the water in a line, as they followed their mother.
You taught us how to start a motorboat. How to throw a motorboat into reverse at just the right moment to dock it. You might have wanted to spend a little more time with Joel on the brake lessons in the winter though& .remember the snowmobile? That poor lady didn t know what hit her.
Joel, write a Papa a cheque.
You taught us the love for music, while banging away on Tupperware as toddlers, or having a Hee Haw in the basement with the washboard and bagpipe music blaring in the background.
You taught us a love for our country, as we watched 4531 Proud Canadian stickers (off the whisky bottles) go up and come down, over the years. Well, the only ones that came down were the ones that Granny couldn’t reach.
You taught us to be kind to children. When Katie was throwing her 4th tantrum of the morning, or when Shannon was getting mouthy, or if Jessie was playing sandbox in the kitty litter, or if Jo was eating fish bait, you coaxed those little girls away with promises of ju jubes and cookies. The memories of these little ones are vivid in our minds and it s hard to believe they are all grown up now, though we can see your amazing influence on them all as well.
You taught us to appreciate what we have. Whether it be the people around us, or our possessions. To take care of things and people, so they would last a long time.
You are amazing parents. Not just to your own children, but to all your grandchildren. And we hope that you stick around for a very long time, so our children and our children s children can get to know all the apple-y goodness that is Granny and Papa.
Happy Birthday to you both. And thank you for being the people you are. We love you.
Love, Karen and Joel
If you’re here from the BlogHer Ad Network, watch Granny and Papa dance an Irish Jig here.
July 20th, 2006 at 7:06 am
Wow….. just … WOW! Beautiful, Karen.
July 20th, 2006 at 8:59 am
What a beautiful letter to write.
July 20th, 2006 at 9:59 am
That was beautiful, unfortunately my computer will not allow me to play the video, but your words painted a beautiful picture.
Anne
July 20th, 2006 at 12:10 pm
I have tears in my eyes! That was just so wonderful!! And the video is precious! I can only hope my husband and I are still that much in love 40 years from now!
July 20th, 2006 at 7:08 pm
That is sooo sweet!!! My parents have been married for 50 years! It’s amazing!
July 20th, 2006 at 9:28 pm
I’m glad you can’t see the mascara running down my cheeks! That was wonderful. Thank you for sharing with us, this tribute to Papa and Granny. They seem like amazing people; no wonder you turned out so sweet.
Now, honey, can you please pass me a tissue? xo, A
July 20th, 2006 at 11:37 pm
Awwww…that’s so awesomely sweet and touching. I bet they loved it!
July 21st, 2006 at 7:39 am
I’m teary here, for real. I would think that this is the best gift a grandparent could ever hope for. You’re so lucky to have a great relationship with them this way. I’d love to hear more about those whiskey bottle stickers sometime!
July 21st, 2006 at 8:59 am
I just fell in love with your grandparents. Amazing post.
July 21st, 2006 at 6:11 pm
Just beautiful! I didn’t get the part about the labels going up and back down, but maybe it’s a Canadian thing? You are SO lucky to still have them both. Lavish them with love from me, please, at the next opportunity.
July 21st, 2006 at 11:34 pm
Great letter and video, too. (I love the kid in the background doing his own jig… hehehe)
Families that play together, stay together. Sounds corny, but if you can have fun with your family, that’s a great thing.
Glad you have such wonderful, caring grandparents!
July 22nd, 2006 at 9:36 am
Thanks Mary - that’s Dylan in the background…ha ha!
July 30th, 2006 at 5:01 pm
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