You made me a nanna —
from the very first moment your dad placed you gently in my arms,
just a minute old, soft and new,
you stole my heart completely.
And you’ve held it ever since.

You, my little ray of sunshine,
with that huge smile that stretches all the way to your shining blue eyes.
Eyes that sparkle with mischief, wonder, and something ancient and wise.
That beautiful blonde hair, wild and free,
that spirit so infectious it lights up every room.
You are energy, curiosity, laughter —
life itself wrapped in a boy.

Every moment of your childhood has been a gift,
a warm embrace for my soul.
Your thoughtful heart, your hilarious antics —
they’ve captivated this nanna entirely.
You’ve made me laugh when I didn’t think I could,
you’ve made my heart burst just watching you be you.

I’ve decided it’s better not to blink.
Because when you do,
one moment you’re cradling a newborn,
and the next…
he’s seventeen, taller than you,
with a deeper voice but the same shining eyes.

You have brought light into some of the darkest corners of my life.
Even when you didn’t know,
you were a healing presence —
gentle, caring, ever so kind.
You have been my reminder that joy still exists,
that love can be loud and silly and all-consuming.
You are, and always will be,
one of the most incredible gifts I’ve ever received.

You brought sunshine to my life from the very beginning,
and you continue to light my days
with your laughter, your love,
and your simply extraordinary presence.

Thank you, my darling grandson,
for being exactly who you are.

Happy 17th Birthday from your nanna