TO MY PRECIOUS TWIN GRANDDAUGHTERS

Today is my birthday - I lived for 65 years now. Since you were old enough to read and write I got birthday letters and birthday notes from you, every year! They always had a lot of colorful sweet embellishments with hearts and flowers drawn on them, and contained loving wishes and greetings. I cherish them - I have them all - I save them in a special box.

Today I decided to write YOU a letter. Don't worry it won't be long and I will not preach to you. I just wish to tell you how much I love and enjoy you, how grateful I am to have you, how proud I am of you, how pleasant it was to see you grow up and blossom into the wonderful teenagers you are today. And I wish to give you some thoughts on your way and tiny bits of advice.

You started your life a little bit too early, sixteen years ago, on the same day. I remember seeing you for the first time in the hospitals baby ward, tiny little butterflies tucked into incubators with quite a few tubes sticking out from you. With your own strength and the endless caring love of your parents you got over the difficulties of the first weeks. Once at home you started to thrive and never stopped! 

You brought us only joy - and on this day I happily remember it all, every detail of your growing, each sweet moment. The most wonderful thing is to know, that your baskets are not empty, and love and dearness and hugs will come out of it continuously, gifted to whom ever will be open  for it, to family - foremost your parents, your brother and your little sister - and to friends - and surely I too will profit from it forever!

So I wish to tell you to please take very good and conscious care of yourself - always. Love your pretty bodies and care for them and their health. Cherish your soul and keep it true and free of clutter. Continue your education and seek out a proper profession, so you will be able to provide for your own needs. That is so important!

It is wise not to let things just happen in your life, plan them,  know what you want and in which direction you like to go.

Recognize the presents life has in store, how it provides wonders from nature and treasures from kind people. That will lift you up! Being thankful for each day can give your spirit joy. There are always ups and downs in life - in each life - but I know you can manage - I know! May your good days predominate, with hugs, with smiles and laughter. Yes, remember - a little humor goes a long way! Keep your heads up, strive for the sun!

And remember - my love for you will never cease... :-)