When my Grandpa passed away, I was given a notebook he left for me. Inside the notebook were several stories he'd recounted about his childhood. That notebook is something I cherish...something that's very special to me. That notebook means my "Pa" understood how important writing was to me, and he (although he wasn't the type to keep a journal) sat down and wrote about his past so I could remember him. I don't think I have ever been given a more special gift.
It's been a while since I've written here. I've been working on writing in a handwritten journal...kind of like the notebook, but more about things that happen in my everyday life. I want something in my handwriting that I can leave behind when I go. Since I don't have any children of my own, I've written the journal for my nieces - Megan and Taylor. I want them to always remember me, and know I loved them very much.
Megan is my mini-me. When I put pictures of us on FaceBook, people ask me if I'm sure she isn't my child instead of my brother's. She's a tender-hearted, outspoken, typical teenager. She likes music and loves to sing. She dances around her living room like I used to when I was her age. She's sweet and kind, and doesn't understand when others are mean and hurtful. She gives people the benefit of the doubt, and sees the best in everyone - until the prove otherwise. She's like me in that it's easy to make her cry...and when she does, it breaks my heart. She wears her heart on her sleeve (just like me) and is very sensitive to her feelings, as well as those of others.
Taylor doesn't look like me exactly, but she sure does act like me. She's "Little Miss Bossy" to my "Miss Bossy". She likes to control the situation, just like her Aunt Mitz - the difference is if she doesn't get her way, she just does what she does what she wants to do by herself. She like to play video games, and from what I've seen, she's pretty good at it. She's a free spirit and likes to do her own thing. She's got some characteristics I wish I had. She doesn't care what others think, she just does what makes her happy. She goes her own way, and if others follow, that's OK...if they don't, that's OK too. She makes her own fun and can be content by herself. She doesn't get very bothered by things and is generally easy going. She's usually content in any situation, and I think she'll grow into a strong, independent woman some day.
I miss them a lot. I live 2 hours from them, so I don't see them often - except around holidays. I've watched both of them grow. I've seen both of them laugh and cry. I've told each of them how beautiful the really are. And now, I want to make sure I have something to give them that will remind them of how much "Aunt Mitz" loved them. This journal I'm writing may be about everyday, ordinary things...but someday, to them, it will be a lot more.
