The Femme Fatale Life: Letter to my Granddaughter

My daughter is having a daughter, and it seems like it hasn't been any time since I first learned she was expecting! Of course, it doesn't to her. She is in her last trimester and the baby can't make its debut fast enough. I can't wait to meet her. She is our second grandchild and the first child for my daughter and son-in-law. There are some things I would like her to know.

You are almost here and we are beside ourselves with excitement! Your mother and daddy and Pop and I cannot wait to meet you! We have seen you moving around in your ultrasound pictures but we are looking forward to seeing what you actually look like. Who will you look like? Will you inherit Coker traits, Nunn traits, Wells traits, or McClure traits? Probably a mix of all! We are wondering how much you will weigh and how long you will be, and what day and time you will make your appearance. What we do know is this: you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) and God created your inmost being and knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13).

You should know that you are being born to parents who are already in love with you and are eagerly fixing up your room and committed to providing for your every need and probably much of what you will want! Your mother has taken good care of herself and you, and your father has worked very hard to make your home as comfortable as possible.

There are a few things you should remember. I hope your parents will read you these words when you are old enough to understand, and then I hope you will read them when you are able to read and understand.

First of all, the world is a big place and you may feel small. Just remember this: God has created you for a specific purpose in this life, and there is no one else who can fulfill that purpose. You are unique and there is no one in the world like you. There never has been, and there never will be. You are the only you. . .ever! Isn't that amazing? When you feel like you are just a face in the crowd, remember that!

Another thing: never forget that you are loved. Sometimes in this life others may make you feel like you are unloved and that no one cares for you. This couldn't be further from the truth! No matter what you do or where you go, remember that your parents and your grandparents love you. In fact, your great-grandparents love you, as well as your aunts and uncles! If, by the time you read this, you have a sister or brother, they love you as well. More importantly, God loves you. You will always be loved, no matter what.

Another thing: you don't have to be like anyone else. There is a lot of pressure in our society to be athletic or thin or wear certain clothes or hairstyles or makeup. You don't have to be those things. The only thing you have to do is be yourself. People will be drawn to a person who is authentic and not pretending or trying to be someone or something they are not. You are the only you, so be yourself.

Don't forget to have fun on your journey through life. You can have a big time without hurting people or breaking the law. You can be joyful and happy without depending on others to provide joy and happiness. There is a secret to joy and happiness, and it lies within yourself and your relationship to God. Loving and serving God brings a joy and happiness that others will find attractive. You don't have to be the prettiest or the most athletic or the richest. You will draw others to you because God's love will shine through you.

Finally, my dear, sweet little granddaughter, be whatever you want to be, but try lots of things before you decide. Adults will tell you that you can do anything you want to do, but that isn't completely true. For instance, you have to have a mathematical and scientific mind to become a doctor. You need a pleasing voice to become a professional singer. You have to be a certain height and weight to be a model. Different careers require different abilities and aptitudes. Try many different things while you are growing up to find out what you are good at and enjoy doing. Then you can choose with confidence.

Our family is already so blessed to have you in it, even now before we have seen you in person! We love you already. I look forward to the day I can hold you in my arms and look into your eyes. Will they be blue, brown, green, or hazel? I love you, sweet darling Evie. Now and forever, "to infinity and beyond!" (Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story)