This week, I passed the pen to Grandad. A letter about pride and some of the values we as a family stand by.

This letter is written by your Grandad. Not because I’ve run out of things to say, but because I wanted you to hear from him. So much of who I am has been shaped by him and Grandma.

Enter Grandad…

Every week, I read the letters your Daddy writes to you, which one day I’m sure you’ll read and be amused and inspired by them in equal measure. This week, you get me, your grandad. I don’t think it was because your Daddy has run out of things to write, but I do think it is a great honour. So here goes..!

One of my greatest achievements in life has been becoming a Grandad to you and your cousins, and I know Grandma feels the same. Nobody ever tells you what the role of the grandparent is, but I guess we look back at our own grandparents and your Daddy’s grandparents, and we try and take the best bits. My Grandad, your Great Great Grandad Jack, had a huge influence on my life, from taking me to his workplace, to the rugby club and to suggesting I join the Army. He came from a generation where feelings were private, and whilst I knew he approved, especially as my military career progressed, he would never say so. I decided I wanted to be like him in many ways, but not to hide my pride and affection for my own children and now my grandchildren. We want to share in your successes and be there when you need us.  Your Daddy is still my baby boy, and I like to show him affection and tell him that I am very proud of him and his brothers and what they have achieved.

I feel one of my jobs as your Grandad is to recycle my life experiences into advice. Normally, this means remembering the things that went well and the things that didn’t go to plan and turning them into dos and don’ts for you. Actually, the truth is I feel I learn just as much from you as you might learn from me. Never feel obliged to take the advice of others, but I do recommend that you listen to what others have to say. We have one mouth and two ears, so we should listen twice as much as we speak.

Having grandchildren is not the same as having your own children, but when I look at you, I often see your Daddy at the same age in your mannerisms and characteristics. Your Dad noticed everything, and similarly, you miss nothing, especially in other people. You are able to mimic others and innocently point out, often without filters, that which others might miss.

I would like to think that you will always remember us being a big part of your life as you grow up, despite the distance we live apart. Your annual holiday with us in Exmouth is one of the highlights of our summer. You are a ‘darling boy’, and we are always sorry to see you go when it’s time. Your scrapbooks we put together, should be a lasting memory of your time with us. You love to have adventures, whether that be a trip on a boat or the ride to the beach on the open-top bus. Yesterday we went to see The King at Buckingham Palace with you dressed as Paddington Bear and calling me Mr Gruber and Grandma Aunt Lucy all day. You even had a jar of marmalade in your suitcase. As soon as the sun came out, you changed your corduroy trousers for your Chelsea football shorts, but of course you kept the red hat and wellies. Your ability to roleplay is incredible.

Much is said about driving success, and although I hear comments that nice people don’t win, I disagree. Nice for me means being honest and loyal not being pushed around. Very few people succeed alone, the trick is to surround yourself with good people who share your values. Your Daddy has always been big on values, even when he was at school. Mummy and Daddy value loyalty and respect, and this is a lesson you will I am sure, learn from them. Be kind to other people. Stay connected with your family, they will stick with you when you really need them.

It has been a pleasure to write to you. I hope you enjoy reading your ‘Letters to Leo’ one day and take the bits you like to make you the best version of yourself. I have no doubt seeing you now that you are a lovely little boy with a genuinely kind heart. You start school later this year, the next chapter of your young life. Stay true to yourself and don’t be a follower. 

Much love, Grandad x