Dear Sam & George,
I just finished watching a very touching video (by way of a link your very own mom posted). Without going into details, which you won't understand for many years, it made me cry because it was about a mean man, very far away who treated little children very badly. It also made me appreciate how lucky I and the rest of our family is, everytime a new life enters our circle. You two are the latest.
From the moment you came into this world four months ago, you had big shoes to fill. You were each named after a great-grandfather, one from your Daddy's side (and mine) and one from your Mommy's side. Both men were loved so dearly, they chose their names as yours.
Sam, you were named after your Mommy's grandfather. I never knew your great-grandfather, so I can't speak of him specifically; but what I do know is your Mommy and her family. From the day Daddy brought your Mommy into our lives she moved immediately into our hearts. She, like her family, is sweet, smart, honest, funny, sincere and kind. So, without having actually met your great-grandfather, knowing Tamara, I am sure he had those very same qualities. Big shoes...
Now to you George. Your namesake I did know. He was mine and your Daddy's grandfather. He was a man of few words, so when he spoke, it was something he felt was important. He loved (and I mean LOVED) golf. Watched it, played it, talked about it. Knowing he passed that love to your daddy, I am sure makes him smile. The other thing he loved was his family. Your daddy and he had a special bond. They went fishing, to the park and a dozen of other places Daddy will tell you about someday. He loved Pop-Pop and like us all, still misses him to this day. He was a special man who did what he could for anyone that needed it. Big shoes....
I have no doubt you will both fill these shoes. You boys have a Mommy and Daddy who will teach, protect, guide and most of all, love you forever and ever. To your parents, you are the sun, the moon and the stars. You have grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts (including myself) who love you as much as the Earth is big. I have no doubt that you will not only fill those shoes, you will far exceed them.
But for now, at 4 months old, we will enjoy you being beautiful, happy, healthy babbies. Two smiling little boys who make all those around you smile too, just by being here.
Love,
Aunt Jenn
