#27 -- Simple joys, and a few other things too!

Written by your great-aunt Jenny, who sends her love from across the country!

If I could relay any secrets to life or happiness to my grand-niece & my own grandson I would say, keep a special part of you a child until the end of your time here on earth. Growing up will happen, at times you will long to grow up faster, BUT never forget those special things that bring joy and happiness to your inner being. Happiness is self-made. Other people will never be able to make you happy, you alone hold that power. They also CANNOT take your happiness away unless YOU allow it.

The areas that I still have that I've never grown up in are simply pleasures. Sitting quietly around any body of water , listening to the sounds of the birds, frogs, crickets, wind, water etc brings a peace to my soul that nothing else does. Walking along Lake Michigan, seeing the Light House and looking for "indian beads" and other fossils can fill hours of time for me. Coloring books and crayons! Simple, but soothing! May you discover endless worlds of imaginative fun with a large cardboard box, a stick and a old pot! I hope you have the joys of watching the seasons change. See the leaves change, die and fall, watch the first snow hide all the ugliness in an blanket of white beauty, see the first snow crocuses and daffodils poke their little heads out the muck of winter, and soothe the summer heat in large body of water that doesn't show a shore for miles when you look over it. May you marvel at the beauty and power of a thunder and lightning storm as it rolls up over the horizon. May a hummingbird fly up at just the right moment to remind you that God is still there and hears all your prayers and sees all your tears. Because life will bring you tears and sorrow as well joy and happiness. If you have those special places locked into your heart and soul, you can always go back to them, even if it's just in your mind.

If you need help later in life finding that child that didn't grow up, your Grandma Sally has acquired that special gift. I too have had it grow inside, mainly because your Grandma was there to help on my many journeys to distant and fun places growing up. She helped develope my imagination with skits, plays and make believe, all to entertain your great- grandma and grandpa. Love your family no matter what happens. They will always be there for you even when you think they aren't.

And finally, I pray that you find a partner/mate in life who falls in love with the child in you as well as the adult you will grow into. One who will bring home a new color book and a box of crayons when they notice you going into a slump. One who will sit through a chick flick because they know you need an excuse to have a good cry to cleanse your soul. One who suddenly says, put on your shoes and takes you for ice cream just because! One who lets you wander around and pick up rocks, seashells and doesn't care if your not fishing too. Someone who loves and respect the real you, no matter who you have become.

People will forget what said, People will forget what you did,BUT people will NEVER forget how you made them feel.