My Dear Grandchildren

 

Dear RJ, Emma, Jimmy, Zoe, and any other future grandchildren,

I am writing you a letter today from my hotel balcony in Cebu, The Philippines. I just ate a seafood lunch with Grandpa at our beach hotel. It is almost 100 degrees here and very humid. It is a stormy day with a view of the ocean from our hotel balcony. The rain is coming down, but scuba divers are still going out to look at the tropical fish. Grandpa and I went swimming here with our masks and snorkels. We saw many colorful fish and sea urchins. We are eating fresh seafood daily and walk around this tropical Filipino Island. The locals are very friendly and the children are always trying to sell us something from their baskets full of magnets, pencils, pens, and shells. I ask them if they went to school today and finished their homework before going out selling in the local restaurants. They always say YES! Public schools are free in the Philippines for grades K-12. The schools are small with a few swings and slides on the playground. It would be a nice place to grow up by the ocean with narrow streets to wander on without traffic. Most people ride a motorcycle or walk here around. the small island.

Grandpa and I are on a five-month trip around the world. We will visit Hawaii, Southeast Asia, Australia, India, Europe, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Guam, and Cebu. You can see my photos and read more about each stopover on 'Betsy's Blog.' I am sending you postcards from each stop where I can find stamps and a post office. You can share them at school at 'Show and Tell.' Grandpa and I each have a small backpack and can only buy a few souvenirs to bring back to you. It is a great trip to take while we can still walk, talk, and tell people about it. 

I am sure that your parents have told you that I have Alzheimer's Disease. It is not contagious. It means that I am slowly losing my memory. I am seeing doctors and take medicine for it every day. I also exercise and eat healthily like you should do daily. I am doing lots of walking on this trip and eating local seafood, rice, fruits, and vegetables. Stay healthy and continue your sports, gymnastics, karate, dance, and other after-school activities. I have enjoyed watching your games and classes. Keep learning and taking new classes. I still love to take classes at my age!

I want you to know that I will never forget you. You are always special and always in my heart. I will be thinking of you on every birthday, holiday, graduation, and special event. Remember that I am VERY proud of you and wish you the best in life. Work hard at school, go to college, and find the job of your dreams. You are very smart, creative, and fun to spend time with. Be kind and thankful to your parents. You will never know how much they do for you until you have children. It is only fun to be a grandparent and have fun playing and teaching our wonderful grandchildren. Read my favorite bedtime story to your children, "Goodnight Moon."

Every night before you go to sleep, thank your parents, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles, cousins, and of course your grandparents for caring about you so much. I only want the best for you. I am thinking of you always. Make me proud!

Love GBetsy 💗💙💚💛💜