I don’t “know” boys. I don’t understand them. I have a difficult time relating to them.

It’s not that there weren’t males in my life. Obviously, there were, but none that I would recommend as role models.

Your dad is an exception. I am so grateful that he is there to be your best friend, your role model, and your confidant.

As your grandmother, I want so much to know you, to support you, and to offer you guidance.

But like I said, I don’t “know” boys.

I don’t play video games, although I think I might like to learn.

I don’t “get” anime although I am sure if exposed to enough of it, I would find something in it that was relatable.

I don’t understand the humor in farting or the resistance to showering.

But I do know love. The unconditional kind that says there is absolutely nothing you could do or not do that would make me love you less.

Because of that love, I suffer through the smelly car ride because the pure laughter generated by your farting is music to my ears.

Because of that love, I can sit in another room and listen to your shouts of victory from behind your closed bedroom doors as you play Mindcraft (or whatever the heck it is) on your devices.

Even though I have no idea what is going on, I know that you are happily living in that moment and it makes me smile.

It may seem like we don’t have a lot in common and I guess the reality is that we don’t.

Life and times are so different now than when I was growing up or when I was raising your mom.

I guess every old person says that though.

But there is still the love.

And that love is manifested in my wishes and hopes and dreams for you:

>> I hope that you never spend one moment of your life feeling unloved or unworthy. Sometimes you might not be able to see it or touch it but always know that love is there, wrapped around you like a cozy sweatshirt. Your mere existence is proof that you are and always will be worthy of all of that love.

>> My dream for you is that you become strong, happy, empathetic humans, always willing to stand up for yourselves and the rights of others. Don’t let anyone tell you what your happiness should look like. You get to decide.

>> My wish for you is that you get to live in a free world where everyone’s dreams are encouraged and everyone’s hopes are possible. And I want you to stand up and fight for that freedom if necessary.

>> Educate yourselves, always be kind and thoughtful, be a helper, and never forget that you matter. 

Now go take a shower.

I love you.