By barbara.wilkey
For my birthday this year one of my sons, Andrew, and his wife, Katie gave me a 'A Paper Time Capsule. Write Now. Read Later. Treasured Forever'. The instructions are to share your stories in a collection of twelve letters. These letters will be for my grandchildren, their daughters. Charlotte will be five-years-old in June and Eleanor will be three-years-old in July.
The prompts for these letters are to be written on subjects such as 'Here is a special story about our family' or 'It may surprise you to learn that when I was young...'. Just mentioning two. Each letter is then postdated, sealed to be opened for reading at a predetermined date, when the girls are older.
I thought I'd share these letters with you. I have pondered this since January, my birth month, wondering what on Earth I'd write about. I've always felt my life was boring. They need to remain fairly short, not my best quality. I normally write about 80,000 words to say anything as you know from my novels.
This prologue is an explanation of what I'm attempting to accomplish with these letters. Wish me luck.
| Author Notes |
I was excited when I received this gift from my son and his wife, but as I thought more about it, it scared me. What could I possibly have had to say that my granddaughters would want to read as teenagers or in their early twenties. As of right now, I only have an idea for the next letter. I will try to post weekly, on Thursdays but can't promise.
As with any of my writing, I did additional editing as I posted. Every time I read my writing; I make changes. I am never satisfied. Thank you for your help and idea. |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear Charlotte and Eleanor,
Your daddy was a year old when Grandpa began Army basic training. After an eight-month separation, we left Illinois and moved to Darmstadt, Germany.
During Grandpa's twenty-three years in the Army, we lived on eight military bases and in thirteen houses. Your dad attended six schools from kindergarten until he graduated.
Deployments were the most difficult part of military life.
* Desert Shield/Desert Storm 1990-1991.
* A NATO Peacekeeping Mission to Bosnia 1995.
* The Afghanistan War 2001-2021.
Grandpa, your Uncle Greg, and Great Uncle Jared were in Southeast Asia during the same time. Grandpa deployed to that area twice.
Being a military family, we had many advantages. While in Germany, we witnessed history being made. The Berlin Wall came down November 9th, 1989. We also traveled and explored Europe. We called Germany home twice. We also lived and explored different parts of the US.
I want to share important lessons we've learned being a military family:
* trust in God for a strong family and cherish your family
* grow where you're planted.
I hope these lessons help you as much as they have me.
Love and Prayers always,
Grandma
| Author Notes |
This is a photo my husband took of Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Germany about 1997.
I've read this all week, but as I read it yesterday, I wasn't at all happy with it and almost deleted it. I am planning to put this letter back until one is 13 and the other is 11. I went ahead and posted it. I wanted to do into much more detail but need to keep these letters short because of space. This one is about 190 words. HELP!!! I was excited when I received this gift from my son and his wife, but as I thought more about it, it scared me. What could I possibly have had to say that my granddaughters would want to read as teenagers or in their early twenties. As of right now, I only have ideas for the next two letter. I will try to post weekly, on Thursdays but can't promise. As with any of my writing, I did additional editing as I posted. Every time I read my writing; I make changes. I am never satisfied. Thank you for your help and idea. |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear Charlotte and Eleanor,
Life was different from yours during my childhood. I'll list a few and will expand upon these in future letters:
* We played outside with our friends.
* Dinner was eaten as a family, with no take-out. Dinner was homemade.
* We didn't lock our doors.
* People dressed up when they went somewhere.
* Telephones were attached to the wall.
* To make a call away from home you used a phone booth and inserted money.
* To write a research paper you used encyclopedias or the library and a typewriter or did it by hand.
* We washed dishes by hand. Dishwashers weren't invented.
I'll spend more time on televisions. The first TV I watched was black and white. My parents didn't own a color one until 1964. I remember the thrill of actually watching a color TV show. I grew up with three channels, cable wasn't invented. TV's had antennas and to get good reception, we'd physically rotate the antenna. To change channels or turn off or on the TV you walked over and did it manually. When I was old enough to babysit, I always wished the parents would come home before the TV stations went off the air around midnight.
The lesson I learned is change happens; one can fight it or accept it, but you can always learn from it.
| Author Notes |
Thank you google images for this photo of a family sitting around watching a black and white TV. This could actually be the family I grew up in.
I've read this all week, but as I read Tuesday, I rewrote it. I am planning to put this letter back until one is 17 and the other is 15. I went ahead and posted it. I wanted to do into much more detail but need to keep these letters short because of space. I am attempting to stick to the writing prompt and the suggested number of words. I am going to add additional letters to go into more details with some of changes. I was excited when I received this gift from my son and his wife, but as I thought more about it, it scared me. What could I possibly have had to say that my granddaughters would want to read as teenagers or in their early twenties. As of right now, I only have ideas for the next two letter. I will try to post weekly, on Thursdays but can't promise. As with any of my writing, I did additional editing as I posted. Every time I read my writing; I make changes. I am never satisfied. Thank you for your help and idea. |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear Charlotte and Eleanor,
I've witnessed many changes throughout my life. I believe the one that's made the most impact on the world is the Internet.
The internet has both positive and negative effects on our society.
Some of the Internet's positive impact:
* provides communication
* easier business transactions
* quicker knowledge
* social network that crosses geographic and cultural boundaries
Most people take daily advantage of the internet but ignore the negative effects it can have on their life.
Some of the negative impact:
* addiction
* misinformation, anyone can post and share information without confirmation
* negative influence on personal and social behavior
* cybercrimes on the internet are a huge problem; it can ruin real relationships and families
* cyberbullying is a serious problem
* Internet sites selling our personal information
Lesson learned: Although the Internet has a lot of positive attributes and can make life easier, life is about balance. Put down your phone, disconnect from the Internet and enjoy the beauty of life.
| Author Notes |
Thank you google images for this post poster of prose and cons of the Internet.
As I edited this post this week I swear I rewrote it every day. I'm planning to hold this letter back until Charlotte is 14 and Eleanor is 12. I went ahead and posted it. I wanted to go into much more detail but need to keep these letters short because of space. I am attempting to stick to the suggested writing prompt and number of words. I've decided to add additional letters where I can go into more details. As with any of my writing, I did additional editing as I posted. Every time I read my writing; I make changes. I'm never satisfied. Thank you for your help and idea. |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear Charlotte and Eleanor,
When your dad was five years old, he played soccer and said, "My big brothers get to play football; all I get to play is peewee soccer."
The following year, I never told him that he was old enough to play football. As a mom, I felt six was too young. Somehow he found out. No amount of talking changed his mind. At the first practice, we held hands and walked up to the football coach. The coach studied him, his eyes met mine, and he pointed. "Ma'am, peewee soccer meets over there."
Your dad said with all the seriousness a six-year-old could muster, "Sir, I'm a football player."
From that moment his coach called him 'Little Bug'. He continued to play football and loved the sport. The only reason he didn't play college football was a knee injury. In high school, more times than not he was awarded the 'player of the week'. His position was right guard.
Your dad carried this drive throughout his life. He worked hard and went after what he wanted, good grades, a good job, or being a good husband and father. He excels at everything he does.
I call him a geehunk, which is my made-up word for a geek, he's a math geek/engineer and a hunk. He continues his daily work outs with weights and runs.
Lessons learned:
* hard work and determination will help you succeed in life
* sometimes as a mom you need to know when it's okay to lose a battle
| Author Notes |
Thank you google a photo of six-year-old football. I had a photo of Andrew, but it came out all fuzzy. Sorry. A little side note that the girls would already know. Andrew's brothers, Greg at this time was 13 years old, and Jeff was 11 years old. A little more about this knee injury. He tore his ACL and meniscus during his senior year of high school playing their school rivalry. During the game he attempted to convince the coach he was well enough to play. When he fell and didn't get up for a while. I wanted to go down and check on him. I had already learned the lesson, from his brothers, Mom's aren't allowed on a football field.
I did send his dad. LOL Andrew already had a West Point appointment. All he had left to do was pass the physical. Even after surgery he could not pass the physical. As I edited this post this week, deleted as many words as possible. This is too long, but I'll figure out a way to make it work. I'm planning to hold this letter back until Charlotte is 14 and Eleanor is 12. I went ahead and posted it. I am attempting to stick to the suggested writing prompt and number of words. I've decided to add additional letters where I can go into more details. I'l finish the writing prompt first. As with any of my writing, I did additional editing as I posted. Every time I read my writing; I make changes. I'm never satisfied. Thank you for your help and idea. |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear Charlotte and Eleanor,
Early in my marriage, my mother-in-law insulted me often and it hurt. Eventually, I didn't want to visit her or want her to visit us.
An example: For birthdays she always made a homemade yellow cake with white frosting. I asked if she would share the recipe so I could make it for your grandpa's upcoming birthday.
She answered, "I'll give it to you, but don't even try. You'll never be able to make it. You're not a true Wilkey."
Then the thought hit me, Wait a minute! I'm just as much of a Wilkey as she is. She married into the family too. I didn't say anything, I just walked away hurt. At that time in my life, I wasn't confident enough to stand up for myself.
I knew we couldn't continue like this. We were family. I shared incidents like this with a close girlfriend. After much talking and crying, my friend said, "Barbara, consider the source and go on with your life. It's not worth getting upset over."
It took practice and repeating, 'consider the source and go on with your life', but I took that advice and my relationship with my mother-in-law greatly improved. Over time, we became good friends.
I have used this advice over and over again throughout my life. It does work because life is way too short to allow things to upset you.
As I aged, I also grew with confidence in myself.
Lessons learned:
* consider the source and go on with your life
* be confident in who you are
| Author Notes |
Thank you google a poster on mother-in-law relationships. Honestly, my mother-in-law, after a while, did get along beautifully. It took me realizing, her comments were just who she was. She began to trust me enough to confide with me about what was really going on in her life. It all began to make sense. I prayed for her often. She died a very unhappy lady 24 years ago.
As I edited this post this week, deleted as many words as possible. I am attempting to stick to the suggested writing prompt and number of words. I've decided to add additional letters where I can go into more details. I'll finish the writing prompt first and then go into more depth and post those letters too. Thank you for your support and suggestions. Next weeks prompt: I'm curious to see how you |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear Charlotte and Eleanor,
I knew you before you were born. I spoke with you while you were in your mother's womb and shared how much I already loved you. I hope you still feel that love today.
I watched you go from lying in your crib, to crawling, to walking, to running, and dancing. And dancing you did. You loved to twirl. I hope you still do.
I applauded as you went from simple sounds, to words, to sentences, and then to paragraphs. You found your voice, keep talking.
Your personality was clearly formed from the beginning. Always searching, testing, and making your thoughts known. Never be afraid to speak up for yourself.
From the beginning you were an intelligent, independent girl. I'm curious to see how you continue to develop into the strong, independent young woman, I'm positive you are meant to become.
Lesson learned:
* always stay true to who you are
* Grandma's love is a forever love
| Author Notes |
Thank you google a poster about grandmas and granddaughters. I would love to post a photo of my granddaughters but my son, Andrew and his wife, Katie don't want the girls' photos on social media. I am honoring that request.
I'm thinking the girls should receive this post while they're in their early twenties. As I edited this post this week, deleted as many words as possible. I am attempting to stick to the suggested writing prompt and number of words. I've decided to add additional letters where I can go into more details. I'll finish the writing prompt first and then go into more depth and post those letters too. Thank you for your support and suggestions. Next weeks prompt: When I was younger, I wish I had known |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear Charlotte and Eleanor,
I grew up in a very traditional family. Dad worked and Mom stayed home. My younger brother and I were teenagers when Mom went back to work. Times were different back then.
The importance of getting an education was never a question in our home. That fact was well known and from my earliest memories, much like going to church wasn't an option, neither was going to college.
The problem was my very traditional father. I could be a nurse, a teacher, or a secretary. Those were traditional female occupations. I wanted to be a veterinarian. Nope, that was a man's occupation.
I was known in our neighborhood as the pied piper of stray pets. They'd follow me home from school. I thought it was great, my parents not so much.
Back to the original problem, I wanted to be a veterinarian. Even though I was a daddy's girl, when it came to this problem, having him wrapped around my little finger didn't work. No amount of batting my big brown eyes, pouting, or tears helped. I was destined to NOT be a veterinarian.
Finally, I resolved myself to the fact I'd never get to choose my own occupation, so I became a teacher. I did enjoy it. I love children, but still my heart yearned to be a veterinarian.
I'm happy to remind you that your older cousin, AriAnna is studying to be a veterinarian. I'm betting great grandpa is rolling over in his grave.
What I wish I had known when I was younger is that females can be whatever they want and don't let anybody tell you they can't.
Lesson Learned:
* choose your course and don't allow anyone to talk you out of it
| Author Notes |
Thank you google a poster about St Francis. I struggled with artwork for this one, but since I wanted to be a veternarian, I chose St. Francis.
I'm thinking the girls should receive this post while they're thinking about college. Next weeks prompt: My brightest hope for the future is... I envision the girls reading them on their own, so I probably will prepare them for each child, even though here I am posting them for both girls. I think that would be more personal, if I did them individually. As I edited this post this week, deleted as many words as possible. I am attempting to stick to the suggested writing prompt and number of words. I've decided to add additional letters where I can go into more details. I'll finish the writing prompt first and then go into more depth and post those letters too. Thank you for your support and suggestions. Next weeks prompt: When I was younger, I wish I had known |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear Charlotte and Eleanor,
As I pondered this topic, I decided I have so many hopes for the future I couldn't list only one or even prioritize them. After much thought, I decided they would all fit under the hope of LOVE.
The Lord tells us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. The second greatest commandment is to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. (Mark 12:30-31) Love is what I hope for.
The reason I have made this my most important hope for the future is because, world peace, poverty/starvation/no fresh water, disease/sanitation issues, gender inequality, slavery/human trafficking, are just a few that could be solved if we loved one another.
If humans chose to love each other, I think the world problems would solve themselves. Is it possible? Maybe. There is much that needs to be done not only in the U.S. but Globally and with God all things are possible.
Lesson Learned:
* You must first love yourself.
* Love your neighbor as yourself.
* The hardest to love are the ones who need it the most.
| Author Notes |
Thank you google an image a Globe.
I'm thinking the girls should receive this post while they're teenagers. Next week's prompt: What I want you to know about me... I envision the girls reading them on their own, so I probably will prepare them for each granddaughter, even though here I am posting them for both girls. I think that would be more personal, if I did them individually. As I edited this post this week, deleted as many words as possible. I am attempting to stick to the suggested writing prompt and number of words. I've decided to add additional letters where I can go into more details. I'll finish the writing prompt first and then go into more depth and post those letters too. Thank you for your support and suggestions. Next week's prompt: What I want you to know about me ... |
By barbara.wilkey
FanStory friends,
I wrote about this topic, 'What I want you to know about me' and then purposely deleted it. I wrote about how I prefer the small, rural close-knit towns over the rapid pace of the cities. I explained how 37 out of my 69 years I've lived in cities, and some really large ones. After I edited this writing for a few days, I realized it's not what I really wanted to say. I'm still struggling with what I really want the girls to know about me. I feel this should come from the heart.
I have an idea, I'll see where it takes me. Thank you for understanding.
| Author Notes |
Thank you google an image a question mark.
If you have any suggestions, I need help. |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear Charlotte and Eleanor,
I feel you already know so much about me. I've been an open book with you. Although, we live far from each other, your parents have done a wonderful job Zooming, keeping in touch with Grandpa and me. We talk every Sunday afternoon for hours and on holidays or special days. Your parents also contact us during the week if something special happens. We do visit in person a couple times a year. Not nearly enough for Grandpa and me.
At the end of our Zoom calls, your hugs and kisses melt my heart. The times your parents call during the week, because you demanded to speak with Grandma brings tears to my eyes, even though it's usually because your parents are disciplining you and you felt you needed a good lawyer. Grandmas do make great lawyers for grandchildren.
The most important thing I want you to know about me is no matter what, I'll always love you. There's nothing you could do that would cause me not to love you. Grandma's love is unconditional.
Lesson learned:
* Unconditional love is given unconditionally.
*****
That's the end of the letter, but I need to share this with you. I know the grandmas out there will smile. Eleanor turned 3 years old last Saturday. I sent a text to my son, Andrew that said: Tell Eleanor Happy Birthday from Grandma and give her a hug and kiss from me.
A little later I received a Facetime call, with Eleanor's cute little face. I immediately wished her Happy Birthday. She blew me a kiss. I asked what she was having for her birthday breakfast. Her reply, "Cereal and popcorn."
Andrew got on the phone. "Mom, see what you started?"
I always allowed my boys to choose the meals for the day of their birthday. I said, "I think it's a perfect birthday breakfast."
Andrew: "Mom, don't encourage her."
I couldn't help but laugh. Her dinner was salami, watermelon, and popcorn. I never really heard what lunch was, but I'm pretty sure it included popcorn. LOL She wanted to go to the pool for her birthday activities so they many have eaten there.
I may end up flying to St. Louis next weekend to babysit. Mom teaches biology at a university and starts school one week before Charlotte starts kindergarten. Eleanor goes to daycare at the hospital where Andrew works. They're trying to find a babysitter. Other than the daycare at the hospital only Grandma has babysat.
| Author Notes |
Thank you google images for a little boy going this his grandma's because she misses him.
I'm thinking the girls should receive this post while they're teenagers. I envision the girls reading them on their own, so I probably will prepare them for each granddaughter, even though here I am posting them for both girls. I think that would be more personal, if I did them individually. As I edited this post this week, deleted as many words as possible. I am attempting to stick to the suggested writing prompt and number of words. I've decided to add additional letters where I can go into more details. I'll finish the writing prompt first and then go into more depth and post those letters too. Thank you for your support and suggestions. Next week's prompt: My wishes for you are... |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear FanStory Friends,
I have written a part of the letter to my granddaughters, Charlotte and Elleanor, but I haven't completed it. I can't seem to get it exactly the way I want it. I've decided to put it on hold for a few weeks.
My husband and I leave a week from today, September 14th, and will arrive at their house, September 15th. We'll stay for the weekend and then go to my mom's for the week. We'll return, again, to my son's house for the weekend. Since everybody will either be working, at school, or daycare, there's really no reason to stay the week.
The subject for the next letter is: My wishes for you are... I'm hoping to get some insight to help me with this letter. I've been doing one letter and slightly changing it for each child, but I'm guessing this one might need to be completely individual for each child.
Charlotte and Elleanor are totally different little girls. Charlotte, age 5, is turning into a very good athlete and is very particular about how things are done. Elleanor, age 3, is a free spirit and is pretty sure all boundaries are there for her to test.
Sunday while Zooming with my son and his family, Elleanor was off camera. Pretty soon, Andrew sternly said, "Elleanor Ruth." As he stared in her direction, there was silence.
When he, again, looked in my direction, I asked, "When did Elli become Elleanor Ruth?"
"A lot lately."
Grandma to the rescue. "I don't remember Charlotte being Charlotte Simone."
"She wasn't. There was never a reason for her to be. Elli, well, she's another story."
I feel grandma needs to get there as soon as possible. Elleanor needs a good lawyer, and Grandma fits the bill. Of course, Charlotte needs Grandma's hugs.
I'm hoping when I return, I'll have two letters, one for each child. I appreciate your understanding and support..
| Author Notes |
Thank you, Google Images for a photo of girls playing soccer. Charlotte is playing soccer this year. I am hoping to get there early enough Friday to watch her play. Her game is at 6:45.
Thank you for your support and suggestions. |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear Eleanor,
I have given my wishes for you a lot of thought. I watched and played with you while I visited you a few weeks back. There were times spent rocking in a chair and reading while I hugged you. I admire your intelligence and your free spirit. I know it gets you into trouble at times. With time you'll learn to harness it and that spirit will become one of your greatest assets. Never lose it.
I've missed you and your sister so much since I've come home. I've tried to convince Grandpa that we should move to the St. Louis area. Still working on that.
When I asked what you wanted to do when you got older, you giggled and said, "A big girl." At three years old, I'm sure that's a valid wish. I'll continue to ask that question as you get older.
For now, I'm going to list my wishes for you. I'm sure they'll change as I and you age.
If I had only four wishes, I'd give you:
* the confidence to know how unique you are
* the strength to always be true to your dreams
* the love to never feel alone
and
* to never forget the power of prayer
My Lesson Learned:
Always be true to yourself.
| Author Notes |
This is a photo I took of Eleanor. I mentioned before her parents didn't want the girls' photos on social media. They have lost that battle because Charlotte's kindergarten teacher is posting class photos on FaceBook. So, I am posting Eleanor's photo. I trust my FanStory family.
Next week I'll post my letter to Charlotte. Thank you for your support and suggestions. |
By barbara.wilkey
Dear Charlotte,
I've given my wishes for you a lot of thought. I watched and played with you while I visited you a few weeks ago. There were times spent studying rocks and insects together. We read some books while I hugged you. I admire your intelligence and your ability to remain focused. I'd always smile when you'd get frustrated with your sister's antics. You're learning to be patient with her. Learning patience and your ability to remain focused will serve you well.
I purchased a map of Missouri and drew a boundary about an hour out of St. Louis. Someday maybe your grandpa, Uncle Steven, and I will be able to move someplace within that area.
On one of our walks in the wooded area along the Mississippi River as you studied some sort of beetle, I asked what you wanted to do when you got older. You were very serious when you said, "I want to help animals."
I asked, "You want to be a veterinarian?"
You placed your hands on your hips and tilted your head. "Not sure. I know I want to help animals."
I couldn't let that drop, so continued, "Dogs and cats or wild animals in a zoo? Maybe wildlife in forests?
As an amazing five-year-old, you said, "Grandma, I'll let you know when I figure it out. I'm only five." You went back to studying your insect.
Grandma was definitely put in her place. LOL
For now, I'm going to list my wishes for you. I'm sure they'll change as you and I age.
If I had only four wishes, I'd wish:
* that God protects you, and you feel His protection
* that you follow your dreams and know women can be anything they want
* that you never stop praying
and
* that you always know you're loved
My Lesson Learned:
Be confident in yourself to grow into who you were meant to be.
| Author Notes |
My daughter-in-law, Katie took this photo of Charlotte and shared it with me. Sometimes Charlotte doesn't have school and Katie does. Katie's a biology professor at a small university in St. Louis. This day, Katie only had labs and office hours so, she took Charlotte with her. She can't do that with Eleanor. I wonder why. LOL
I had a dentist appointment yesterday and it totally blew my schedule apart. I forgot to post this. LOL Next week I'll start adding more information into my previous letters. Thank you for your support and suggestions. |
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