Dear Jamie

Dear Jamie,

As the season of reflection approaches, I find myself filled with gratitude for the many blessings in my life, and you, my dear grandson, stand out as a precious child who brings me immense joy. From the moment you entered this world, I cherished every moment spent looking after you alongside your brother, Joshua, while your mum was at work. You were a delightful little soul, and it felt like the universe conspired to bring such happiness into our lives through your laughter and love.

I remember those early days vividly, holding you in my arms while I hummed classical music and sang softly. Your little eyes would sparkle with delight as if you understood the love that filled the air. There was something magical about those moments, and I would often thank God for the incredible gift you are. You were, and still are, a treasure to my heart, and every cuddle felt like a reminder of the beautiful bond we share.

From a few years old, your love for music blossomed. I can still picture us creating our little homemade band, filled with laughter and joy as we played with makeshift instruments. Remember the day you got your first drum set? You were so young, yet you approached it with a passion that was inspiring. You’ve turned out to be just like your mum, carrying on the musical legacy—playing piano, drums, and exploring other instruments while creating your own melodies with the programs you’ve discovered on the PC.

Our caravan holidays have been where a special tradition unfolded, filled with laughter and adventures until Covid brought heartache and separation. The lockdown was so difficult; Grandad and I felt we lost precious time with you and Joshua, and every moment apart was like a piece of our hearts was aching for you.

I still remember how you would look at me and Grandad, your little eyes shimmering with pure love, making those caravan trips to Wales unforgettable. You filled the space with laughter, and I cherished those moments when we would explore together, watch the sunset, and create lasting memories. There were times when I would feel a twinge of sadness, especially when you started to outgrow our favorite afternoon programs. "Peppa Pig" was one of my soft spots, and letting go of those simple pleasures tugged at my heart.

The lockdown brought its own set of challenges, and we didn’t see you or Joshua nearly as much as we desired. Each missed moment felt painful; it was like a part of my soul was missing. Seeing you both grow from afar was a bittersweet experience, filled with a longing to embrace you and celebrate every milestone together. It makes my heart ache to think of all those precious moments we could have shared if the world hadn’t changed so abruptly.

It seemed that after Covid, you had grown up faster than I could have imagined. You thrived in school, impressing not only your teachers but also all of us. I was astonished by how quickly you could read about laptops and PCs—fixing anything that came your way! You have always been my Boo, and you always will be. I wish my mum and dad could have seen you and Joshua; they would have been so proud of the wonderful young men you both have become.

Your remarkable talent comes from your mum, who writes songs and sings with such passion. I still remember when she went to Nashville for the Country Music Awards, and you two boys stayed with me and Grandad. Those memories make my heart swell with joy; I love being a nana—it’s truly what I was made for!

Remember the fun we had a few months ago, just you and me doing Encaustic World art? We laughed so much, as we always do. That time spent together was another reminder of how special you are to me. You are loved so deeply, and I am eternally grateful for the pure love you give to me just by being my Boo.

Thank you for being you, Jamie. I love you forever.

With all my love,

Nana