Today I opened a purple envelope from the States. It was addressed to me... wait, to me? Who would want to mail me something? I read the sender's name and address and realized it was from my Grandpa. A birthday card for my 16th birthday, maybe?
What I opened up to was so much more than I had hoped for. If I could ask for anything in the world, it would be for me to be able to be in front of my Grandfather and give him all the love I could give. I don't want the latest gadget, the coolest fashion in shoes... I just want to be there with my family and show them that I haven't forgotten them. Show them that I still love them very much, even though I've been gone for eight years.
As I was reading the card, so many things were flashing through my mind. All those memories we shared, all those times we spent laughing with each other. And then I remembered the mornings when my grandpa would take us to school in his truck with the Tejano radio station on and how he'd say he loved us when we got out of the car to go to school. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time just to hear his voice. It's not the same when you talk to him on the phone.
I remember his smell and his warmth when he'd wrap me in those huge bear-hugs.
When I finally snapped back to reality, I realized that it would be a while until I set my eyes on the real image of my grandpa. I started to cry... not because I missed him, but because of all the love he put into those very words on the card. Because of the way so many memories flooded my head. Because of my heart beating with every syllable, in every word he had jotted down with his hand.
There's something about a grandparent's love that is so different from anyone else. It's that type of love that you can't seem to understand, but you really do... you understand the bond perfectly, you feel the connection and emotion in every word they say to you. It's unexplainable and yet so amazingly understandable.
I love my Grandpa unconditionally. I love him, I love him, I love him....
My Granddaughter,
Just a short note to tell you how much I love you, and of course how much I miss you. It's been so long since we last saw each other, at times it seems as if you will never come to see me, and of course I know you will. I long to see you, I always look at your pictures and remember so much about you.
Your uncle is a handful, but lately he's been a whole lot better. As you know in about a month he will be 15.
When I was a young father, my mom once told me, "A love for a grandchild is unequal," and now at my age, I realize how right she was. I love you with all my heart and miss you so very much.
Take care
I think of you always.....
I love you,
Grandpa