For those that follow me on Facebook, you heard the news this week: my granddaughter was born in Virginia on Monday! Actually I think I made that post on Wednesday. My son said, “Don’t post anything yet. Marla and I want to be the first.” We said okay and then waited— and waited. I know, they were busy but we just wanted to share the news.
Yes this week my son, Doug, and daughter-in-law, Marla, welcomed Eleanor Grace Braley to the world! She will be known as Ella Grace. (Doug thinks that has a nice “southern sound” to it. I can’t wait for him to buy her her first pair of Carhartt’s and cowboy boots.)
Priscilla and I have only met her on FaceTime but we will be heading to Virginia Beach soon.
I was looking at her picture the other day and wondering (as I have with my children and my grandson Liam), “What is in store for you little one in this great adventure we call life?”
I know there are some people who might say, “How can you bring a baby into this world the way it is right now?” Honestly, I refuse to think that way. I have to have hope and cling to my faith. How do we know she won’t be the one that turns things around and makes life better?
Now I’m not going to wish her childhood away because she and Grampy have so much to do. I have to introduce her to Fluffernutters like I did with my grandson. Oh and Peeps too at Easter! We have to watch Bluey and I need to show her all the classic Disney movies. Oh and naptime! Let’s not forget naptime! I always say everybody specializes in something.
Last night I was thinking that when she graduates high school it will be 2043. Wow! What will life be like in 2043? Do you think we’ll finally have flying cars? I thought we’d have them by now but….
Will the Patriots be good again? Her father is a diehard Patriots fan so I assume she will be too.
I wonder who she will be listening to when it comes to music. Taylor Swift will be 53. Do you think she and Travis Kelce will be married? Or will she break up with Travis to inspire another album?
Looking back on my own children’s lives there were so many changes and developments. We never had cellphones. I wonder if Ella Grace will laugh at Grampy when I’m still using an iPhone when she’s older. “Grampy! When are you going to replace that old thing?”
Will there still be newspapers? Will there still be radio?
Back in the day there was no Social Media until MySpace came along. I wonder if my page is still there? And I have NO idea what my password might be. Do you think there will still be Facebook when she’s older? Instagram? Twitter? (I’m sorry), X?
And what will she want to do for fun? Softball like her two aunts? Basketball? Lacrosse? Soccer? Maybe dance! My son would make a great “Dance Mom/Dad.”
I just pray that she’s happy and healthy. Of course there will be skinned knees, break ups and disappointments. I think we all need to experience those things to make us stronger and more resilient. Just know little one that your Grampy is always here. I may not have the answers but will always have time to listen and there will always be hugs and a peanut butter and fluff sandwich available.
Side note: I can’t wait to see my son when she starts dating. That is going to be SOOO interesting!
Ella Grace, Grammy and I look forward to showing you your father’s New England roots. There will be clam cakes, chowder and linguica pizza. Probably not all at the same time. Hot dogs at Fenway and Santa’s Village in the summer.
I also can’t wait to watch as you discover all that this life has to offer. The sunrise and sunsets. The beach. Oh and just wait until we go for this cool thing called ICE CREAM!
I know this particular Dr. Seuss book is often given at graduation time but the title seems so appropriate for your arrival….“Oh, the Places You’ll Go”:
Oh and for those wondering if you’ll see a return of “Raising Grampy,” Liam and I are currently mapping out our strategy. Stay tuned.
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