I wrote this letter the first week my precious granddaughter—who I fondly call “my little love”—was born.

It’s been a magical 11 weeks—a baby is such a symbol of hope, of love, of triumph. A reminder that we should all want to be the best version of ourselves, living in the best version of the world. A world deserving of the most precious of gifts—our children.

~

It’s only been a week, yet it feels like you’ve been in our lives far longer. A gift sent to us to cherish. To love. To teach. To teach us. A beautiful blessing to enter our hearts and forever change us.

My baby’s baby. My daughter’s daughter. My precious granddaughter.

Seeing you enter the world took my breath away. I have seen a few births, all miracles, and all incredible. But watching you take your first breath, hearing your first cry, and sharing that moment with your adoring parents was the most exquisite experience, my little love. An experience I will forever lock away in my heart.

You arrived a little early, but it seems we had been waiting for you forever. It seems you were the gift we all needed. Already on your way when our family was dealt such a profound loss, you have recaptured the magic of joy. You brought so much excitement and happiness to your great grandma, and she tried so hard to hang on for you; she wanted so desperately to meet you, but know that she already loved you so very much, and even though she couldn’t stay, she took that love and happiness of sharing your journey with her. You will now have the most protective and loving of guardian angels. Know that she will always be standing by your side and watching over you.

Holding you in my arms, I couldn’t take my eyes off you. It took me back to when I first held your mum and your uncle Blake; I will treasure those first cuddles we had. I sang to you, and it’s probably good you won’t remember that, as Mimi is not the greatest of singers. Mimi, my self-appointed name, as you will have a great nanny, and there is only one great grandma, so Mimi it is. And Mimi will become your greatest fan and biggest supporter, my little love.

Your mum will always be in one of three places. She’ll be in front of you to lead the way, behind you in case you fall, or beside you so you are never walking alone. And I will be in front of her, behind her, or next to her, where I have been since the day she was born.

There will be dreams we will all have for you, but my biggest dream for you is that you pursue the dreams you desire. You choose the life that makes you happy—whatever that looks like. You will be loved without condition or expectation to be anything but what you choose to be and who you are. You will grow knowing you are loved, protected, cherished, and that we will always create a safe space for you to express yourself and share your feelings. There will always be a warm hug, an available ear, and some gentle words when you need them. There will always be someone there for you. Always.

My precious little love, you have slipped so easily into my heart, at a time when my heart was a little broken. You have filled my soul with joy, at a time my soul was struggling with sadness. And you have reminded me how easy I love and how much love my heart holds. I’m so grateful for my life, and even as I struggle with loss, I know I have so much to be thankful for. My little love, you have reminded me of all of this. In one week, you have added something so incredibly beautiful to my life, our lives, and I am besotted. From your sweet little lips, to your button nose. From your chubby little cheeks, to your mass of dark hair. To all of you, every exquisite inch of you.

If I could give you four things, it would be confidence to always know your self-worth. The strength to chase all your dreams. The understanding of how truly and deeply loved you are. And the gift to always see yourself through my eyes, so you always see how truly special you are.

My little love, you’ve set fire to my heart. You light up my life.

~