It's Happening!

I have officially finished my "Letter to My Grandchildren"!

I am full of anticipation and excitement. I have been working on this letter for so long and have put so much into it. I want it to work. I want it to help my grandchildren make better decisions in their live to live better lives. This means so much to me! It's like Christmas morning as child combined with getting married as an adult combined. A gift wrapped honeymoon!

My oldest grandchild is turning 16 years old and she will be the first to receive my letter. I have been writing my letter for over 20 years. I gave it to my wife to review. She provided some great suggestions, including some clarifications on what really happened at times. I have now given it to my daughter to read. Her daughter will receive the letter in July. I don't want my daughter to be surprised by anything I have written. Plus, she provides free editing services.

As this time has finally come, I have come to realize a few things. First is that my letter is not going to stay the same. My youngest grandchild is one-year-old. 15 years will have transpired before I give the letter to the youngest. Things are going to happen and I need to include those things. Second is that I am going to get some feedback from my oldest grandchild. I want to make some changes based on her feedback. Did it hit the mark? Did she find it helpful? Was something confusing? Third, is the value of feedback from my wife. I included pictures and she loved that. I am glad I included them. Fourth is the length. My letter is 158 pages long. I am concerned that it might be too long. My parents letters are 30 pages. And fifth is a sudden realization of things I might have included: the sports I played or didn't play, what I learned from my parents letters, and a summation of the most important three to five things that I want them to remember. I know ideas for other things to include will occur to me over time.

I know my expectations are very high and I need to lower them to realistic levels. It's in my best interest. But, I can't help but be very excited for the potential my letter offers for my grandchildren and future generations. I am very glad I wrote it.