A letter to my baby granddaughter I’ve yet to meet
Victoria Twead is the New York Times bestselling author of “Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools”. After living in a remote mountain village in Spain for twelve years, Victoria and her husband Joe have retired to Australia where another joyous life chapter has begun.
My daughter Karly met and married a lovely Australian lad. When Karly announced that they were expecting their first baby, we were delighted but sad to be so far from Australia. Little Indy Grace was born and I had to content myself with writing to my new baby granddaughter before I could fly out to meet her.
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Hello Indy Grace,
We haven’t met yet, but I’m your grandmother. Welcome to the world, little one. The world is a big place, and you and your Mum and Dad live in Australia, on the other side of the world. We live in Spain, but that isn’t going to stop us coming to see you as often as we can.
We’ve been waiting for you to arrive for so long! Yesterday, your Mum went into hospital so that they could hurry you along. But you weren’t ready. So your Mum went on a children’s slide, and a space-hopper thingy, and tried all sorts of things to encourage you to come out. But you still weren’t ready. Your name, Indy, suits you already.
But now you’re here, and of course you are the most gorgeous, intelligent, perfect baby ever born. Six pounds, 12 oz of beautiful baby.
You couldn’t have been born to a better Mum and Dad, or in a nicer place. Your life is going to be filled with love and laughter. And you are lucky! When you were in your Mummy’s tummy, your Daddy called you Wolfgang, then Grug, then Gruglington. Thank goodness they finally settled on Indy.
The world you were born into is a wonderful place, and I hope it stays that way for you. I’ve seen so many changes and technological marvels in my life, and I can only guess at the advances you’ll see. Perhaps you’ll have a holiday home on Mars, or a robot to do all your housework? Perhaps you’ll live until you’re 150? Who knows!
Have you any idea of how many people wish you well? Not just me and Grumps. Not just family, but hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of lovely people have posted on Facebook, Twitter and have emailed me, all congratulating you on your arrival. (You’ll learn about Facebook and stuff later – there’s plenty of time for that!)
You’ll love Grumps, by the way. He grumbles and scratches himself quite a lot, but he’s a big softie. You’ll be able to twist him round your tiny finger.
So, little one, you’re here at last. In one month, I’ll be holding you, and I can’t wait!
Until then, I shall blow you kisses from Spain. When they arrive, they’ll turn into little fairies that flutter around your cradle, watching over you.
Be well, little Indy, and I’ll see you soon.
Your loving grandmother xx
Find more of Victoria’s work at her website here.
If you have a story to share please get in touch at melody@oversixty.com.au
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