Letter to Amber on her birthday…
Dear Amber,
Today is your 19th birthday! How I wish we could video call you and chat…to see what you look like at 19…to hear what college you applied to…what guy interests you might have…what hobbies you are doing…to hear if you’re still twirling and writing stories…and making videos with your brother. When you were still with us, I recall that every time we had a video call with your dad, you and Micah were always there sitting on the couch with him, listening, and occasionally contributing, especially at Christmas and your birthday, when you would describe and show us your gifts and which things excited you most. I miss those. We still have video calls with your dad…but someone’s missing…you!
Remember how you always beat me soundly in both checkers and Chinese checkers? And I always thought I was really good at those games! How I wish I could play with you again, even if you beat me again and again! Do you think we might be able to have a few games when we meet again…one day?
I also fondly remember our last visit with you guys Christmas of 2018 before you left us. You had a twirling event we got to go to! We don’t normally get to go to these with you and Micah because we live so far apart. But that year was special. I also remember one day your grandpa and I took a long walk with you around the neighbouhood. It was winter in Pittsburgh…cold, but we didn’t mind because we were talking with our special granddaughter, getting in precious time with you. Little did we know that would be our last. Grandpa talks a lot about that walk too.
Speaking of that visit, I found something just recently tucked away among my many books, that is very special to me. Do you remember that same Christmas of 2018 you gave me a collection of your handwritten short mystery stories? Because we were traveling and I didn’t want to risk losing them or them getting damaged, I tucked them away safely in a book. They made it all the way to Kenya, but I forgot about them and the book got put on our shelf, until the other day as I was sorting our stuff in preparation to move to our new home we’re building near Mount Kenya. I have to confess, my eyes teared up when I made this discovery and sat to read the stories. But oh, what a treasure I had found! Little did I know when you gave them to me how special they would become. It is one of my last links with you.
I treasure the few memories we have of you, Amber. We wish we had the opportunity to create more, but alas, we’ll just have to wait now until we meet again. I believe in my heart that the day we all meet again will be such a joyous occasion. The Bible tells us that God will wipe away our tears that will surely be flowing on that day. But I’m sure those tears will be mingled with much joy at being reunited with all our loved ones. Meanwhile, we’ve got memories to make with Micah and with Declan and Jaiyana (not to mention continuing to make special memories with our adult kids, your dad, Uncle Sam and Auntie Amanda). We wish you could be with us. But, even though you’re not, we will still celebrate your life and till we meet again, have a happy, joyous birthday with Jesus, Amber!
Love always,
Your Grandma K.
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