On a recent visit to Maryland I had the pleasure of seeing my granddaughter Isabelle, who was turning 10. Before I left home, I spent a lot of time thinking about what to give her as a gift. Living across the country from her and her brother, I am not as familiar with their daily lives as I wish I were, so choosing a gift for her was a little more challenging than I thought it would be.

Then it came to me to give her a little baby toy called Sophie the Giraffe. It's a teething toy made in France, and it is quite possibly the most adorable little baby toy ever. I have one. I bought it because just the sight of it makes me happy. I call her Vulli Sophie, and my dog Ben adores her and carries her around like a tiny baby bird. I am not really certain what it is about Vulli Sophie that enchants me so, but I decided that in the digital age Isabelle lives in, a simple rubber toy might be an important gift. I bought her one, wrapped it up and then wrote the following letter to accompany it. I asked her to read it out loud at the dinner table.


"Dear Isabelle,


So before you open your gift, I would like to share a few thoughts with you. The hardest part about being far away from you and Ryan is that I don't get to talk to you or see you enough. If I did live nearer, I would always be sharing little ideas and thoughts that now I pretty much save up for either April or September.

My dad, your great grandfather, the one who would be calling you Izzy if he were still around, was a very special man. One of the things that made him so special is that despite a difficult childhood, he was a remarkably happy man. He found joy in many simple ways. He loved to play cards. He loved the colors of fruits and vegetables. The green of a watermelon on the outside, the beautiful pink inside. How yellow a lemon could be. He loved fireworks and music and the sunset.

The gift inside this package is a very simple one. I have one myself. And every time I look at it or hold it, it makes me happy. Again, it is a common toy, but I hope you will remember one thing: as you get older and even when you are grown up, I want you to keep a part of you that is always delighted with little things. Little
happy-making things. Things that make you smile to see.

Our world can sometimes be sad or scary, but you with your freckled face and beautiful smile and bubbly personality can make the world a better place. Just by being you, you can brighten up the world by never losing your delight at simple things. Like what's inside the wrapping paper.

Happy Birthday to a bright and shining light in my life!

xoxo
Nanny"

Isabelle read this letter out loud to her dad and mom and me, and while I am not certain why, there wasn't a dry eye at the table.
Sometimes simple things, simple joys can bring tears to our eyes. Happily those are the tears that make you smile. Just like Sophie.