A Letter to My Grandad

It's my Grandad's birthday today and so I got to thinking about him and realised there are so many things that I've never told him. It seems ridiculous that we only really reflect on the impact someone has had on our lives in private, without ever actually telling them. So here is a letter to my Grandad that he can read: one in which I reflect on what he has done for me, the things I love about him, and the things I'm looking forward to in the years to come.

Dear Grandad,

Where to start... I suppose I'd better start with what is of course the most important thing you have given me: my love of Ireland! Technically I'm half-Irish but I often feel that the Irish blood in me outweighs that of the English haha! I could eat spuds for every meal, I drink a glass of milk with dinner every night (I'm not sure if this is even an Irish thing but you do it too... maybe we're both just slightly odd?), I get way too emotionally invested in the prospects of the Irish rugby team, I know more of the words to the Irish national anthem than those of the English one, I believe that 'I'll put the kettle on' is the phrase to solve all of life's problems, and I wear this hat you bought me with true pride.

Even you look embarrassed to be seen with me wearing this haha!

I'm definitely a home bird but Ireland is one place I can see myself moving to in the future. I can't wait to get back over to Dublin in December to get together with the whole Ledden clan!

Another thing that you have passed on a love for is Frank Sinatra. Some of my earliest memories of you consist of you singing 'Fly Me To The Moon' in your strong Dublin accent. When I was little I would sing it around the house in that same Dublin accent because that was the only way I had heard it sung! Now I love all his music and have also developed a passion for other music like his - play me some Nat King Cole or Ray Charles any day.

Grandad you have always been my biggest fan and your encouragement means more to me than I could ever say. I'm sure you end almost every phone call and visit by saying "don't forget me when you're a star... throw me a few bob when you're rich and famous" which never fails to crack me up... like I could ever forget you, famous or not! And don't worry I'm writing all my songs down in a book so I can sell it for millions one day like you always say aha!
More importantly however, you always tell me to follow my dreams. It is the best feeling in the world knowing that you will love and support me whatever I do; I know that you just want me to be happy.

Speaking of encouragement, the way you have always told me I'm beautiful and that I must have a whole line of chaps after me is great for a girl's self-confidence! Sorry to disappoint in the male department however (no, for the last time, Raymond is not my boyfriend!). But of course, you know I'm going to marry George Ezra one day so we can all look forward to that.
In all seriousness though, any future romantic partners of mine are definitely going to have to get your approval!

Another thing that I want to thank you for is the inspiration you have been, and continue to be, to me. Amongst many great things, you have faced some terrible trials in your life. From having to leave school and support your family at 14 (when I was 14 the most I had to look after were my two guinea pigs!) to so many serious injuries and illnesses I lose count - yet you have taken it all in your stride. Of course, it was all tough, but I have NEVER heard you complain despite the fact that you live in pain from your various injuries and accidents. During my years of illness, this fighters spirit you show was a huge inspiration to me and I did my best to be as brave as you (I don't think I did a very good job though, I complained a lot!) I know you'll probably hate me for writing about this stuff but I don't think people tell you how amazing you are enough - most other people would have completely lost their marbles had they been through everything you have.

Finally, and on a much lighter note, I want to thank you for all the laughs. We're always up for the craic when we're together and I love joking about with you - although I'm still not sure I've forgiven you for scaring the living daylights out of me when you gave me a fright to try and get rid of my hiccups a few months back (but then, it did work, to be fair).

So, Bernard Patrick Ledden, my wonderful Grandad, here's to many more laughs, sing-a-longs, pints of Guinness, glasses of milk, and Irish rugby victories in the future.

All my love,

Katie




Thank you as always for reading, go and tell someone you love how you feel about them today. GO. NOW.

Love,
Katie xxx

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