did i tell you? (from grandma)

notes that my mama wrote for me and gave to me on my 16th birthday. I wanted to write them down for you to have someday too <3 

dear Johanna.... did I tell you?? 

...now that you are almost grown- i look back and ask my self- did i tell you? 

did i tell you all that i meant to tell you- all that i felt was important? did i tell you- or was it lost in the shuffle of our everyday lives? the busy, full days- when i was teaching you, but didn't know it. 

what did i teach? was it strong? was it good? will it root you in something real that will allow you to grow with a firm and sound foundation? .... did i tell you? 

...did i tell you to love? 

not with a "fair weather" love, but with a love that builds others up- a love that accepts and cherishes- a love that encourages people to be the best they can be. 

not with a quick and changeable love...but with a love that brings strength and peace to your heart... did i tell you? 

...did i tell you to be thoughtful? not to be a martyr or a "doormat"- to be stepped on- but to be aware of other people and their needs. to meet others with an open mind and heart and within your own framework be able to "meet them halfway"...and, on occasion- to go the other half- joyfully... did i tell you? 

...did i tell you to be courteous and polite? not to display empty manners with no real meaning- but to live-out the courtesy that is born of caring. and to express this caring through the small formalities and the customs born of the years...did i tell you? 

...did i tell you to look for ways to serve other people? to actively search for ways to give of yourself? there is much growth and satisfaction in being a part of something larger than yourself- and your life will be richer for knowing this...did i tell you? 

...did i tell you to find a part of nature that you love? let it speak to you and know it intimately and well... perhaps it is a mountain peak, or a wind-swept beach or a companion animal. find your own- and in it find restoration and joy...did i tell you? 

...did i tell you to be bold and confident? to be not afraid of the unknown- but to live your life to the fullest...and to meet each new experience with joy and anticipation. and...did i tell you to be cautious and discerning? to temper your daring and sense of adventure with good judgment and wise consideration?...did i tell you? 

...did i tell you to maintain a sense of the past? to recall and to uphold all tha tis good and meaningful in your country- in your society- and in your family. to never be afraid to speak out when you don't believe or where there is room for improvement....work for what you believe but work in a positive way within a structure of order and reason...did i tell you? 

...did i tell you to laugh? to dance? to sing? there is so much in life that is hard- but take it as it comes and practice finding the good...and always, always make time to laugh...did i tell you? 

...did i tell you to be creative? to make the effort- to explore the unique seed that is within you- find your creative spirit- nurture it, and let it grow...did i tell you? 

and...did i tell you the joy and challenge of being a woman? the joy of having a child- of knowing and sharing a new life? the satisfaction of making a home...the center- but not the limit for the lives of those you love....did i tell you the wonder of falling in love and sharing your life with a man who treasures you? the contentment of being in a lifetime committed relationship that can bless others and bring glory to God?...did i tell you? 

...did I tell you to always trust in the goodness of your Heavenly Father? there will always be disappointment, set-backs, and even heart-breaking losses...but your Creator loves you- and is working all things for good...did i tell you? you are created for eternity, not for time...so live like it... did i tell you? 

...did I tell you these things as we went along the way? if I did, then I am humbly grateful. if I did not- well then you must choose for yourself. your life is yours to build as you choose...and- did I tell you?? I hope it will be a good life.... 

I love you, forever... Mom