Letters to my Grandchild

My darling Em, I was away for most of this month, walking the Camino to Santiago with Gail.  You know that Jeff had a big operation on his throat and neck last year after being diagnosed with throat cancer.  Afterwards he needed chemo and radiation and Gail cared for him and stayed with him during his treatments.  This meant that they couldn't walk with Gumpy and me in Italy to Rome.  Gail was very disappointed but I promised her that when she was ready, I would walk with her in Italy or Spain.  She chose Spain and on 9th May we flew to Spain to start our Camino. Tammy sent us photos of you while we were away and on your Dad's birthday we spoke to you all on Skype.  We missed all the May birthdays and the birthday dinner. You did your 400m swim while we were away.  We were so proud of you Em!! You had an outing with Mecayla. The mermaid swimsuit I'd ordered for you was  delivered - you look great in it - ...

My darling, precious Em, What a busy holidays you had this month!  You had a school fun day. It was warm enough for you to swim and we spent some time playing on the big lilo your folks bought you for Christmas. We went to Tembe Elephant park the first weekend in April  It was a combined birthdays and anniversaries celebration.  Gumpy's birthday is on 8th April, our wedding anniversary on 12th April, Sharon's birthday on 29th April, your Mom and Dad's anniversary on 2 May, your Dad's birthday on 15th May, Mom's on 24th, Greg's 26th and Sharon and Greg's anniversary on 30th May.  Only you and I have birthdays in different months. You enjoyed the Game Drives, even when the elephants almost surrounded the vehicle and we had to keep very quiet and not move.  They had a tiny baby and all the adults were protecting it. You also enjoyed the school group choir that come to give us a show on Saturday night.  You got up and danced with the lead dance...

Hello darling Em, What a busy month you've had!  Swimming gala, drama, dancing, fancy dress, sports, uncle Steven came to visit .... phsew, every week was something!                               You were a girl from the country in your Wellies and straw hat.  And then you wore the lovely ethnic Zulu outfit Gogo gave you to a fancy dress You did well at your swimming gala  Uncle Steven came to visit and we all went out with Jeff and Gail, Denis and Rita,  Laura and Gavin to Chez Nous in Westville I had a small operation to my left knee to release a tight band called the ITB.  I can't dance with you or do taining walks for a few weeks but will soon be back to walking around the block with you.  Gumpie and I went to iMfolozi for a weekend.  While we were in the park the clutch on the X-trail came loose and we had to have the car towed...