The 8th Wonder of World – the birth of grandson Kallen

Dear Kallen,

When you are older, you can study the Seven Wonders of the World, and perhaps even travel to some of them. With the tremendous expanse of knowledge and discoveries, the list may grow when your time for adventure begins.

Your Grandma was blessed to witness an Eighth Wonder, your birth on February 26, 2009. Thanks to your parents’ generosity and the relaxed atmosphere among the hospital’s medical personnel when you were born, I was able to be in the room and see your actual birth. It was unbelievably amazing. There are not enough superlatives or expressions to describe my amazement. It was truly a, “you had to be there moment!” and I am forever grateful to have been there with your parents and your Aunt Tara.

From the moment your parents announced your due date, we have all eagerly awaited your arrival. It’s a long wait from July 4th, when we were told, to February 26th. We’ve planned, speculated, and imagined the possibilities. Your Grandpa and I were in the room when the marvels of technology made it possible to learn, “it’s a boy!” Nothing personal, Kallen, but I couldn’t tell from looking at the screen, nor from subsequent photos anything about you. I simply bottled my excitement to share after I saw you in person. Much like I did when your Mommy was born. “Back then,” we announced in person or on the phone or with a birth announcement mailed much later. People could see your picture online within hours of your birth.

You’ll discover later your Grandma struggles with such fascinating technology. Likely you and your big sister, Lili, and cousin, Emma, will teach me the latest advances. It will be a trade off, my sweet boy, as I have wisdom to share with you and stories to tell and pictures to show you. We’ll collaborate.

In the meantime, I love holding you and rocking you. I even brag that I haven’t lost my touch after all these years. Actually, you don’t seem overly choosy about who holds you, but I prefer to think Grandma has just the right technique. Babies have been a passion of mine for years, although with your Mommy and your Uncle Michael and Aunt Tara, I greatly under estimated how much time and energy is required. You seem quite tolerant, and that’s an excellent trait to develop. The world and the people in it do not always fit our expectations, which doesn’t mean those people don’t love us. It’s just that their style may not always mesh with ours.

Such serious considerations, eh, Kallen? Your needs are much simpler, and you’ll be wise to learn the art of living minimally. We’re all working on that right now as we learn to downsize. The lessons are difficult, but if you get it right the first time, you’ll be spared much future discomfort or financial upheaval.

Already you’re charming and handsome and I’m looking forward to memorable times with you, Kallen. We’ll include your sister and your parents, but sometimes, it will be just you and me. I will do my best to encourage you and celebrate you. And I’ll show you the goodness in this world. Always know how much I love you and how proud I am to be your Grammie.

Blessings always, my dear grandson!