From Grandma

Dear Clara,

I have been putting off writing this letter for several reasons—one, because it’s hard to put into words feelings that run deep, and another is that describing a fascinating young woman is not easy, even if she is your very own, precious granddaughter.

I haven’t known where to begin—but it just dawned on me! Clara is like the heroine from a fairytale! (An honest, Brothers Grimm-style fairytale—banish all thoughts of Disney girls from your mind!)

Clara, you are a beautiful creature. And just like those lovely maidens my grandma used to describe in the stories she told when we had sleepovers at her house, you are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. That is the magic of Clara. It’s important magic. It’s real magic. My grandma wanted to make sure we understood that about beauty.

Clara, you are kind, generous, helpful, thoughtful, and to that add fun-loving, possessing ample stores of kookpacity. What a combination!

Don’t let me forget to mention your keen intellect, your love of good literature and films, your enjoyment of beauty in its many forms—art, music, photography, and I don’t even know what all!

Your baking talents—which will no doubt be mentioned by others—have enhanced the pleasures of my life. I’ll never forget the unique 7 0 cake. Haha! So fun!

What else is it about you that makes you such a spectacular human? You are lots of fun to talk to because you take interest in such a variety of things and people. And I love your sparkling brown eyes that remind me of my mother’s. She was such a great lady and she was loaded with kookpacity—it might be where you get yours.

I remember when you were nine or ten and I was feeling sad to think the time was fast approaching that you wouldn’t be a little girl anymore. You were such a terrific kid—so full of energy and pizazz. I can still see you running around the farm with a bunch of cousins surrounding you, leading the way with good humor and kindness to more adventures and fun.

Alas, you did grow up—and what do you know? … it turned out to be a good thing! That effervescent child you used to be is still here, thank goodness, with added qualities, only a few of which I’ve described, that make you into a remarkable woman.

I look forward to seeing you unfold into more and more happiness and goodness as you refine yourself—navigating the challenges of life confident in the love of your family and our Elder Brother who has all the unknowns covered. You can count on Him. My mom and my grandma would want me to make sure you know that.

I love you, Clara! Happy Birthday!

—-Grandma