Ibrahim

My Dearest Ibrahim,

As I sit down to write this letter, my heart overflows with love and gratitude for you, my precious grandson. It’s hard to believe how quickly the years have flown by since that first moment I laid eyes on you. I remember that magical night when me and grandad, and your Aunt Dot, and her daughter Andrea, who has now passed away.gathered with your parents, we came to welcome you into the family. I was filled with excitement and warmth. You were there, a tiny bundle of joy, nestled in your little sleep cot, wrapped in the softest pale blue blanket.

From that very instant, I knew we were all immensely blessed. Your eyes, big and round, like perfect saucers, shone with an innocence and beauty that captivated us all. Especially your thick dark hair. You were, and still are, the spitting image of your mother, a living reminder of the love that brought you into this world. You arrived our perfect little prince, you where always dressed in the finest clothes, and each moment spent with you has been full of joy and love.

Do you remember those delightful days when you would arrive to visit us, playing with all the toys in the back garden and building with Lego? You, Joshua, and Jamie — your two cousins. My three grandsons — filled those summer days with laughter and joy. You used to draw me lovely stick people drawings of us all, enjoying the sunshine together in the garden. As you got older, you developed a remarkable love for drawing. Your brilliant sketches of cars and tall buildings were truly great. You take after your mum for art she was good at collage. While you may not draw as much now, I still have some really nice pictures you made for me that I cherish deeply.

During Covid, it was hard to see you. Also we missed you for those years after a family disagreement. Yet, I always looked at and kissed your photograph, smiling at your little innocent face, holding on to the bond we shared. Do you remember that time during Covid when we came and stayed outside to give you a Willy Wonka golden bar? We got three bars with a golden ticket in them all. So you Joshua and Jamie would think you had all three won lol. my three gorgeous grandsons.you where all over the moon with your Wonka Bars.

As we passed the Wonka bar to you, you opened it yes you cried I got the golden ticket nana. Then you asked, “Nana, what do I do to get my prize?” I jokingly said, “Just write a letter, and Mummy will post it for you, and they’ll send your prize!” You looked intrigued and asked what the prize was. With a glance at your mum, I responded, “£20!” Oh my goodness, you were so excited! To this day, both your mum and I laugh when she says, “Thank you for telling him that, leaving me to pay the prize!” But still, it was a fun moment, and you absolutely loved it —Memories, ha ha!

Our reunion in August was a moment I will treasure forever. Seeing you again, so grown up and full of life, filled my heart with joy. As I looked towards your face, there it was — the biggest smile and those big eyes, sparkling like stars in the night sky, my you are all grown up so tall and handsome. There you are lighting up my world once more.

Now, we move forward knowing we will never be parted again. I will always be here for you, cheering you on and celebrating your triumphs, staying close by, through any challenges that come your way. You will forever be my precious grandson, a shining star in my life and Grandads of course. Keep your spirit soaring, and don’t ever forget how deeply you are loved.

With all my heart,

Love you so very much Nana