Above all, be kind (a letter to my granddaughter)

Dear Greta,

If you learn to do just one thing well in your life, make it to be kind.

First of all, be kind to everyone, treating all with the same high regard and deepest consideration. One person is no important than another. We each share a fundamental human dignity.

Be especially kind to the poor, weak and discouraged, for these are children of God just as you are. These souls may be invisible to most that hurry by and don’t seem to notice. Treat them with compassion and lift them up.

Be kind to your family, for they hold you in the highest esteem and have taught you the important lessons of life: Kindness, compassion, service, and faith. To family you owe your best to live up to the highest principles and convictions passed down to you.

Finally, be kind to yourself. Balance your high expectations with compassion and humility, and your hard work with rest and solitude. Remember that love brings fullness to a life that would be otherwise be sterile, and that acts of kindness bring happiness to others and purpose to your own life.

Love,
Grandpa Ron

Succeeding

Dear Greta,

We do not succeed alone. It takes the blessed assistance of those who care most about us and our contentment. When you succeed, take a bow for yourself—and all who unselfishly helped you to attain your moment in the spotlight!

--G'pa Ron

Friendships are supreme!

Dear Greta,

A sign I saw recently said: Autumn, a time to harvest friendships.

I have noticed that you and your Mom are quite a bit alike when it comes to making friends. Each of you has a world of friends. This is indeed a good thing. In fact, your willingness to make friends says more about your character and wise choices in life than practically anything else in this world. Many of your friends will likely be your friends forever.

Throughout your life, develop friendships. Friends will help you through difficult times without judging you.

A good definition of a friend that I have read: They see right through you, but still like the view!

Love,
Grandpa Ron

Discovery

Dear Greta,

You are beginning to realize that the true joys of life come through discovery. As you learn this important lesson, consider these useful signposts to serve as your guide.

Discover your joys: These are uniquely yours born of the happy nature that lies within your soul. Your joys will brighten each precious moment you dare to open yourself up to experience.

What are your joys?

Discover your strengths: These are uniquely yours welling up from your determined spirit. Your strengths will carry you through tough and uncertain days, and help another as he or she struggles.

What are your strengths?

Discover your ambitions: These are uniquely yours coming from a yearning to be fulfilled beyond measure. Your ambitions will be hard-earned and earnest and be your closest confidants.

What are your ambitions?

Remember as you seek to find your way, a delight in discovery will spur you forward to the next challenge, the next fulfillment, the next wonderful experience.

Revel in your discovery!

--By Grandpa Ron Cooper
January 2010

Leader of your own soul

Dear Greta,

In your life there will be moments when you can grasp the reins of leadership. But in all moments, be the leader of your own soul.


If you forget all else, at least remember this about how to conduct your life:

• Be humble
• Be kind
• Be unique
• Be wise

--Written by G’pa Ron and dedicated to my granddaughter
December 25, 2009

You will remember

To my granddaughter Greta,

It won’t seem possible now, but soon your years will start to fly by. What will you remember then?

You will remember how your family deeply loves you, and how your arrival in the world filled a void too vast to comprehend.

You will remember the warm embraces of your childhood, and how those closest to you will always hold you dear.

You will remember how proud we all are of you, and how we cherish your generous spirit and loving heart.

You will remember—and so shall we!

--By Ron Cooper