To Our Precious Grandson...
Dear Cade,
It was with great joy when your daddy told us we were going to be grandparents. The time was near the end of Sept. 2010 and our hearts were filled with happiness. That feeling is hard to beat.
We got to experience each step of the way of your mommy's pregnancy and your growth. Your mommy had complications during the pregnancy, but she and your daddy stayed strong and with lots of prayers from family and friends, persevered. When Christmas time approached, your papa and I so looked forward to seeing your mommy and daddy here at our home in Broken Arrow but that wasn't to be. Your mommy had to go into the hospital, so we decided to drive to Maryland and spend Christmas there. Cade, you had so many gifts that day! Gifts, of course, from us and also from your great grandpa Dowling and great grandpa and grandma Chronister. You, young man, have so many people who can't wait to meet you. Anyway, before we left for home, we got to experience your mom's ultra sound and saw you at 22 weeks. How special that was! We will always remember that day. You were SO cute!
Once home, we continued to get updates from your mommy and daddy and the prayers continued. One day your mommy called me and asked, "Would you like to hear Cade's heartbeat?" Boy, would I!! It was so strong and fast...the best sound. I have to say I shed several tears of happiness that day. It's funny, Cade, we don't really know you yet, but the love we feel towards you is trememdous.
We are going to fast forward now to Feb. 27, 2011 at about 3:23 A.M. our time. Your papa and I got awakened by your daddy telling us you had arrived!! You were over 2 months early! You were suppose to be born April 29th, but God (and you) had other plans. You weighed 4 pounds and were 19.2 inches long. We can't begin to tell you how 'over the moon' we were in those early hours on a Sunday morning and couldn't wait until your daddy told all your great grandparents so we could relive that moment some more. I have to say we also felt nervous about how early you were born.
Now, as I write this letter, Cade, I can happily say your papa and I will be meeting you on March 30th. It would have been sooner but your great grandpa Chronister fell and broke his hip, and we needed to be here to help him get well and stronger and back home. March 30th can't come soon enough for us! We can't wait to introduce ourselves to you, hold you, kiss you, love you, watch you grow, see your little personality.
You know, Cade, I'm calling us, in this letter to you, "Meme" and "Papa" but down the road, YOU might name us "Nana" or "Mammaw" or "Grandpa" or "Big Poppy" or some other wonderful name. We can't wait for "down the road"...to be a part of your life.
Did you know that you have 2 of the most wonderful parents any child could ask for? They are truly 'the best of the best!' They, along with us and all your family, will be here for you all your life...helping you along the way, being your cheerleaders, listening to your dreams. We love you, Cade, with all our heart.
Meme and Papa
