Dear Grandad,
My teacher said our homework was to write a letter to humanity. I discussed it with mum who said a letter to you would be neat as she says you are the most humane person she knows.
So I got to thinking about you and what I know about you. I did talk to mum who filled me in on some of your qualities; she seems to know a lot about you doesn’t she.
I remember as a little girl sending you a message saying you were the best sandwich maker. Mum was tickled pink by it all and made a recording and sent it to you. I can see you chuckling still over that.
When I think back on you, I remember you coming round to chat to mum and some days when mum had to go out you sat with me, and we’d chat. Do you remember all that?
I think you thought I’d never shut up as I was always on the go and never short of a word but you let me be me, and I’m forever grateful for that.
Mum said you were like that with all your kids and they are all in agreement that you were a pretty good dad.
As I grew, I liked it that you would take time to talk to me. You were always inquisitive, you asked me questions that sometimes I didn’t know the answer to, but you were patient and allowed me to ‘go on’ as you used to put it. At the time I think I was sure I was teaching you something, but in hindsight, I’m sure it was you being who you were, a teacher.
To me now I am older I understand more what humanity is, and I realise that you are the perfect example of it in my life.
I hope I can be as gentle with people as you are, I know I have a fiery streak, we red heads are like. You’ve been a great example of how to live Grandad, thank you for being you.
Love
Arria (Granddaughter No 2)
Written for: https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/sunday-writing-prompt-letters-to-humanity/
Morpethroad 
This is lovely Michael.
Thanks Di my gkids find new ways of touching me.
Wonderful.
Great that you could see yourself from another’s perspective.
Gkids Reena they have special ways of getting to you.
What a touching letter Michael I was truly moved
Thanks Yves. Gkids can impact on you in amazing ways.
Sweet.
Beautiful piece and indeed this girl’s grandad seems like a wonderful version of humanity and kindness. I think one of the ways he did this was just to listen and let his children and granddaughter talk. To speak their minds too. Not many people listen well, and we all have times we aren’t good listeners and should be. I very much enjoyed this 🙂
Thanks Mandi you are right listening is not always easy.
It’s been my privilege to be a grandson, then to watch my children have a relationship with my Dad as a Grandpa, and now finally to be a Grandpa myself. Today, my nearly three-year-old granddaughter fed me mudpies.
You have to love gkids. The one in question liked that I cut her bread and butter sandwich in triangles not squares.
A letter to delight the heart of any grandfather.
I wish I had known either of mine.
Thanks so much
Oh, how my heart swells, reading this, Michael. This is how I pictured you as a father, a grandfather, and a teacher. Sometimes a grandparent plays a greater role in a child’s life; there is the patience factor, and of course, the child gets to go home, lol. Beautiful piece!
Thanks so much Mandy, yes that last part is often the best part…lol
Lol!
This is one of the most beautiful post I have ever read, Michael. It makes me so happy that such wonderful family relationships still exist and it gives me hope for us all.
Thanks robbie, that’s such a lovely comment, I am humbled by it.
How lovely. Your grandad sounds wonderful!
Thanks so much Stevie…we all think so.
I think we can all agree, as kids, we were rambling 1,000 mpu
Yes certainly so Esme.
My dad was that kind of grandfather and my daughter could have written this letter. Love it!!
Thanks so much Darlene I appreciate you reading my post 😀