Dear Joshua

Dear Joshua,

As the season of reflection approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many blessings in my life, and there is one person who stands out above all others—you. I don’t know if words can truly express how grateful I am for the love, care, and strength you’ve shown me, but I’ll try my best.

When I was struggling with long Covid and feeling at my lowest, you were there for me in ways that no one else could be. Your constant love, your phone calls, and the warm embrace of your hugs brought me a sense of comfort and hope when I needed it most. Even on my hardest days, when everything felt too overwhelming, you would tell me, “It will be okay,” and somehow, just hearing your voice made all the difference. You helped me heal, not just physically but emotionally, with the kindness and understanding that only someone as special as you can give.

But my love for you goes back even further. From the very first moment I laid eyes on you, when you were just a tiny baby, I was hooked. The first time I saw your face in that hospital room, eyes wide open, I fell in love with you instantly. I’ll never forget that moment. Your tiny face, your little hands, your big, curious eyes—they stole my heart. Watching you grow from that moment on has been such a joy. I even taught you how to play on the Nintendo when you were just 10 months old! It was always so special spending time with you when your mum was at work. Grandad and I would babysit you, and I would hold you for hours, listening to your giggles as we watched little robots and "In the Night Garden." You would laugh so freely, and every time I heard that, it made my heart soar.

But there were also moments that tugged at my heart in ways I never expected. I remember when your mum or dad would come to pick you up, and I could hear you crying for me as the car drove around the corner,and it made me feel so loved and needed.

We had our little routines, too—ones that became our special time together. We would take you for rides just to get you to have your afternoon nap. Grandad would drive , I’d sit in the car with you, waiting for you to drift off to sleep, and I’d stay there until you woke up an hour later, refreshed and ready for the next adventure. Those quiet moments, just you and me in the car, will always be some of my fondest memories.

Then there were the walks with Grandad, where you would dictate every turn. You were so little, yet so determined, pointing and saying, “Turn here, turn there.” It always amazed me how much personality you had, even as a baby. You knew exactly what you wanted. And when you wrapped your little arms around my neck, I felt like my life was made to be a nan. Every hug from you was a reminder of how lucky I am to have you in my life. Time goes so fast now 16 and oh so tall, you do weigh5 lifting and are very sporty. Your kind to everyone. Your mum and dad are proud of you as we all are our Jamie your brother. Thank you sweetheart just for being you. Don’t ever change you are a gift from god a precious one. Ps you do get you funny side from me always acting the joker.

With all my love Nana xxx