Dear Sophie, Benjy, Charlie, Bobbie, Lucy, Levi, Remi and Zoe,
It is now December, 2024.
By the way you measure time, I’m sure you are thinking I am ancient – since I am 77 years old. You may be wondering why I am still putting myself out there – pushing limits and boundaries? That is because I am still consciously trying to lead the best and most interesting life I can.
The following is very important to me and what I want to pass on to all eight of you:
You have been born into a remarkable family on all sides and you have been fortunate to be given an opportunity for an excellent education and given caring and loving parents.
And because you have been given so much, certain things are expected. And one of them is that you take good care ofyourself. That you do good things for yourself. That you treat yourself with the same kindness and consideration with which you treat your friends and, hopefully, your family members.
What have I accomplished?
At age 22, I gave birth to my first-born son Harry. As you can see from the picture, I was a very “sophisticated” young mother.
I ended up raising five “very fine sons” – who were the model of decorum.
Oh yes, and before I had kids, I married a fine man the first time and my soul mate the second.
We had known each other since grade school. (The circled faces are your grandfather and me.)
I’ve been writing a weekly column since Uncle Louie (Daddy to some) was three years-old.
I started a parenting magazine called Cincinnati Kids.
I was a host of my own weekly radio show for two years called “Sunday Night With Iris” and your grandfather introduced me each time I went on air.
I have written two books.
I am a motivational speaker.
I am a creator of many hand-knitted items.
And I design and market vintage jean jackets.
Why am I laying out what I did with my life for you to read? Because I want you see that a personally handcrafted life based on following your own path is achievable. I did it and you can do it too.
Yes, at times it is exhausting.
Yes, at times it is overwhelming.
Yes, at times it is very discouraging.
Has it been worth it? Absolutely!
Have l leaned perseverance even when things are difficult and take a long time? Yes!
And what did I learn from the most? My successes or my failures?
Definitely my failures. I learned different ways not to do something which helped me figure out how to do something.
The famous poet Mary Oliver asks a very important question in her poem “The Summer Day.” I’d like to conclude with asking each of you that same question:
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
You’ve got lots of time to figure it out, but please don’t waste it. Go for the gusto. You will never be sorry.
And know that your loving, crazy, eclectic family will always be there to be “the wind beneath your sails”.
I love you all,
Nana
Keep Preserving Your Bloom,
