It’s been a while since I have written to you, grandchildren of ours.  I have decided to talk a little bit about each one of you because each and every one of you are so important to me.  Let me begin with the first grandchild, Nicholas Lee.  Nick arrived into this world on December 7, 1996.  I saved the newspaper that day as it was an important day in the history books…it was “Pearl Harbor Day.” Now I am aware that the kids will need to Google this one day.  I was actually present with Nick’s Mom to behold this amazing event; Nick’s Opa was also present.  Jackie delivered this baby herself and we all gazed in amazement.  Nick lived with his grandparents, myself and Opa for a couple of months. It was so interesting to watch him grow rapidly, play with toys and watch his mom teach him the basics.  It was difficult for me to allow my own daughter to take charge. I wanted to do it; but I knew I needed to step aside.  This fine young man is now 17 1/2 years old and an athlete extraordinaire.  He is kind and strong and has learned through his years to watch over his mom and take charge of some things by himself.  I am so grateful to have been around to watch the “little child” develop into this awesome man.

Now I have decided to finish my story about Nick.  He just celebrated his 18th birthday.  I am here with him in Emeigh, Pennsylvania.  He is now making plans to enter college…he is still the athlete that has come so far. It will be very interesting to see where his career takes him.  This year also happened to be the year that Nick joined the Pennsylvania National Guard.  How awesome is that?  He is quite tall now. .. 5’10” to be exact.  Quite a growth spurt since we first held him 18 years ago.  His hobbies include hunting and more hunting.   (to be continued)

I can add something of great significance now.  Nick was deployed to Afganistan this year…he left his homeland in April of this year. (to be continued)