A few weeks ago, I wrote a story about my grandson, Jake, and his best friend, Logan, and how they had been friends since they were three years old. They now are seniors playing their last season of high school football.
Today, I am writing a letter to Jake, a letter from my heart with advice for his future.
* * *
My dear Jake,
Oh, Jake, do you know how loved you are? Do you know the prayers that are being prayed over you? Those prayers are for protection, wisdom, and guidance as you make decisions that will affect your life for decades.
Okay, don’t laugh. You are thinking, “Grandma, don’t be so dramatic. I’m seventeen years old. I’m enjoying life, playing football, hiding from my friends who tried to annihilate me during the week of homecoming, and hanging out with Logan, Alex, Gage, Blake, and Dalton.”
Indulge me for a moment as I share a few thoughts you need to hear.
You will make decisions that will lead you to a career you may change several times. Don’t ever be too scared to make changes in your life. Leaps of faith may take you places you never imagined being. Oh, the sweetness of an unexpected destiny.
Photo courtesy Julie Montgomery
In a few years, you will think you have found the woman you want as your wife. Make sure she loves you for who you are, not trying to change you. Make sure she is your greatest cheerleader. It’s not that you want to be with her. It’s that you can’t imagine life without her. Make sure you listen to your gut even more than your heart when choosing “the one.” Please note that your gut is often wiser than your heart.
And how do you love a woman well? I could write a book about just that. Speak softly. Laugh a lot. Listen to her heart. Her heart is tender, Jake. Make her feel special with small gestures of kindness. It’s not about gifts of grandeur. It’s about a bouquet of flowers when she arrives home from a few days away. It’s a “just because” text that tells her you are thinking about her. Ask Grand Chuck for more suggestions.
Did you know I’ve prayed for the woman you will someday marry? Jake Baker, do not roll your eyes at me!
I know I am getting the cart before the horse, as you want to be done with high school and begin the adventures of being an adult. I want you to soak in everything wonderful about being a senior because I can tell you that you truly are living some of the best days of your life. Some of those friends will still be your best friends in 50 years. Cherish the gift of friendship.
When I say, “Live in the moment,” I mean to take in everything good about it. If you have a smidgeon of doubt that it is good … RUN! Never be afraid to leave a situation or relationship that does not feel safe or wise. Tell your friends you have to go to take care of your grandma. She will always need to be taken care of. (Okay, you can laugh.) I can always be your excuse, and you can always call, and I will come running. Maybe not running, but I will be there with no questions asked.
You may think I am rambling, and you are right, but I have the right to do so. I am your grandmother, and I want the best for you and get in my two cents worth of wisdom whenever possible. You will not be able to appreciate some of my thoughts until you are older. I’m not taking any chances of not being around to offer my opinion or wisdom. Just tuck my thoughts into your heart for when you need them.
Many prayers have been prayed for you since you were born. There will be more to come. Your Grandma Janet knows the power of prayer, and I pray you do. If you need some homemade cookies and Dr Pepper, come see me. Those things, as well as my thoughts, will always be offered at my house. Prayers will be prayed until I take my last breath.
Yes, this is schmaltzy, but it’s a grandmother’s prerogative to be just that.
Love you more,
Grandma Janet
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.