letter to grandma essay

A Letter to Grandma from Granddaughter (Samples to Copy)

Sending a heartfelt letter to Grandma from her beloved granddaughter is a cherished tradition that spans generations. It’s a way to express love, share stories, and create lasting memories. In this digital age, a handwritten letter holds a unique charm, preserving the warmth and wisdom of a grandmother’s love.

In this article, we’ll explore the art of writing a meaningful letter to Grandma, packed with love, gratitude, and cherished memories. Whether you call her Grandma, Gran, Nana, or Granny, these letters will help you strengthen the bond, create a keepsake, and most importantly, convey your deepest emotions. Let’s dive in!

Why Write a Letter to Grandma?

Writing a heartfelt letter to Grandma from her adoring granddaughter is a time-honored tradition that holds a special place in the heart. Let’s look at ten compelling reasons why crafting a letter to Grandma is not just a simple act, but a profound way to convey love, gratitude, and cherished memories.

1. Express Love and Gratitude

Your Grandma, be it Grandma, Gran, Nana, or Granny, has been a constant source of love and care throughout your life. Taking the time to write a letter allows you to convey your profound appreciation for all the moments she has selflessly shared with you. It’s a chance to let her know just how much you love and value her presence in your life.

2. Strengthen Your Bond

Distance may separate you, but a letter can bridge that gap effortlessly. It’s a powerful tool that transcends physical boundaries and brings you closer on an emotional level. Your words in a letter can create a sense of togetherness, no matter how many miles may lie between you and your beloved Grandma.

3. Preserve Memories

Grandma is a living repository of treasured stories and memories. By putting pen to paper, you’re not only connecting with her but also helping to preserve these precious moments for future generations. Your letters can serve as a delightful window into the past, ensuring that these beautiful memories are never forgotten.

4. Personal Touch

In a world dominated by digital communication, a handwritten letter stands out as a personal and thoughtful gesture. It’s a tangible expression of your love and care that Grandma can hold in her hands and revisit whenever she wishes. The personal touch of a letter makes it an invaluable keepsake that she’ll cherish for years to come.

5. Share Life Updates

Life moves swiftly, and Grandma would love to be a part of your journey. Whether it’s your school adventures, stories about friends, or your latest hobbies and activities, sharing these updates through a letter keeps her engaged in your life. It’s a way to include her in your daily experiences, no matter how far apart you may be.

6. Encourage Communication

Letter writing encourages open and meaningful communication. It provides a platform to express your thoughts, feelings, and questions, fostering a deeper connection with Grandma. It’s also an opportunity to learn from her wisdom and experiences, creating a two-way street of love and understanding.

7. Practice Writing Skills

For the little ones in the family, writing letters to Grandma is not only an act of love but also a chance to enhance their writing skills. Encourage them to express themselves creatively through their words and drawings, helping them develop essential communication skills while forging a strong bond with their dear Grandma.

8. Boost Emotional Well-being

The act of writing and receiving letters is known to boost emotional well-being. The anticipation of a response and the joy of reading a heartfelt letter bring comfort, happiness, and a sense of connection to both you and Grandma. It’s a simple yet profound way to uplift spirits and strengthen the emotional ties that bind you.

9. Create a Keepsake

As time passes, these letters accumulate into a precious collection of shared thoughts and moments. Each letter becomes a keepsake, a tangible reminder of your enduring love for Grandma and her unwavering support. These keepsakes are treasures that can be revisited and cherished for a lifetime.

10. Pay Tribute

Last but not least, writing a letter to Grandma is a beautiful way to pay tribute to her. It’s an acknowledgment of her significant role in your life, a testament to her enduring love and support. Through your heartfelt words, you honor her presence and express your deep appreciation for the wisdom, kindness, and guidance she has shared with you throughout the years.

Now that we’ve explored why writing a letter to Grandma is so meaningful, let’s move on to the next section, where we’ll provide you with valuable tips on how to craft a truly heartfelt and memorable letter.

Tips for Writing a Meaningful Letter

Now that you’re convinced of the importance of writing a letter to Grandma, let’s delve into the art of crafting a truly meaningful and heartwarming message. These tips will help you create a letter that not only conveys your love and gratitude but also becomes a cherished keepsake for your beloved Grandma.

1. Choose the Right Stationery

Selecting the perfect stationery sets the tone for your letter. Opt for paper and envelopes that resonate with your Grandma’s taste and personality. You can choose from a variety of designs, colors, and textures. If you’re feeling creative, consider making your own stationery, adding a personal touch that Grandma will adore.

2. Find a Quiet and Peaceful Space

To write a heartfelt letter, find a quiet and peaceful space where you can concentrate and let your thoughts flow. This serene environment allows you to connect with your emotions and craft a sincere message from the heart.

3. Reflect on Cherished Memories

Before you start writing, take a moment to reflect on the cherished memories you share with Grandma. These may be special moments you’ve experienced together, her wisdom that has guided you, or the laughter you’ve shared. Let these memories inspire your words and fill your letter with genuine emotion.

4. Write from the Heart

The most important aspect of your letter is authenticity. Write sincerely and from the heart. Express your feelings, whether it’s love, gratitude, or simply the desire to stay connected. Let your Grandma feel your emotions through your words.

5. Don’t Worry About Perfect Grammar or Structure

Remember, you’re not writing a formal essay. Grandma will appreciate your letter no matter how it’s structured or if there are minor grammatical errors. What matters most is the love and sentiment behind your words. Write naturally, just as you would speak to her in person.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to craft a meaningful letter to Grandma that she’ll cherish forever. In the next section, we’ll explore the various topics you can touch upon in your letter, ensuring it’s filled with love, connection, and heartwarming stories.

What You Can Talk About in a Letter to Your Grandma

Now that you’ve mastered the art of letter writing, let’s explore the myriad of heartfelt topics and ideas you can include in your letter to Grandma. These ten delightful conversation starters will not only strengthen your bond but also create a lasting memory for your beloved Grandma.

Your letter should begin with a warm expression of love and gratitude. Take a moment to convey how much you cherish your Grandma and how thankful you are for her unwavering love and support. Let your words resonate with genuine affection.

2. Share Updates on Your Life

Keep Grandma engaged by sharing the latest updates from your life. Talk about your experiences at school, the fun activities you’re involved in, and your hobbies. Whether it’s an exciting achievement or a humorous anecdote, Grandma will relish hearing about your adventures.

3. Reminisce About Special Memories

Create a heartwarming connection by reminiscing about the special moments you’ve shared with Grandma. Share cherished anecdotes, inside jokes, and those unforgettable memories that both of you hold dear. Reliving these moments will bring a smile to her face.

4. Discuss Family News and Events

Help Grandma stay connected to the family by updating her on the latest news and events. Whether there’s a new addition to the family, a noteworthy celebration, or a family outing, she’ll appreciate being in the loop.

5. Ask About Her Well-being and Interests

Show genuine concern for Grandma’s well-being and interests. Inquire about her health, her hobbies, and her favorite pastimes. Your curiosity will make her feel valued and loved, knowing that you care about her happiness.

6. Express Your Appreciation for Her Wisdom and Guidance

Celebrate Grandma’s wisdom and guidance in your life. Let her know how much you value her advice and the positive impact it has had on your journey. Sharing specific instances where her wisdom made a difference will touch her heart.

7. Share Personal Achievements and Milestones

Make Grandma a part of your achievements and milestones. Whether it’s a graduation, a special award, or a personal accomplishment, your success will bring her immense joy. Sharing these moments with her creates a sense of shared pride.

8. Send Encouragement and Support

Offer words of encouragement and support in your letter. Let Grandma know that you’re there for her, just as she has always been there for you. A heartfelt message of encouragement can be a ray of sunshine in her day.

9. Discuss Shared Hobbies or Interests

If you and Grandma share common hobbies or interests, use your letter to discuss them. Whether it’s a passion for gardening, a love for cooking, or a mutual appreciation for books, talking about shared pursuits deepens your connection.

10. Simply Sending Warm Greetings and Love

Sometimes, the most meaningful letters are the ones filled with warm greetings and expressions of love. Even if you don’t have specific news or stories to share, a heartfelt letter that conveys your affection will surely bring a smile to Grandma’s face.

These topics provide a rich tapestry of possibilities for your letter to Grandma. You can mix and match them or add your personal touch to create a unique and heartwarming letter that she will treasure forever. In the next section, we’ll present five sample letters from granddaughter to grandma, showcasing various themes and styles for your inspiration.

A Letter to Grandma from Granddaughter: 5 Samples

Now that you’ve learned the art of writing heartfelt letters to your Grandma, it’s time to explore five sample letters from granddaughter to grandma, each designed to inspire and guide you in expressing your love, gratitude, and cherished memories. These letters are diverse in theme and style, so you can pick the one that resonates most with your feelings.

#1. A Letter to Grandma Expressing Gratitude and Appreciation

Dear Grandma,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. Today, I want to convey my deepest gratitude and appreciation for all that you’ve done for me throughout my life. You are the embodiment of love, kindness, and unwavering support.

From the earliest days of my childhood to the present, you’ve been a constant presence, offering your warm hugs, sage advice, and delicious cookies that no one else can replicate. Your gentle laughter and the twinkle in your eyes have been a source of comfort and joy in my life.

I cherish the memories of our time spent together, whether it was our adventures in the backyard, your stories that sparked my curiosity, or the simple act of you being there to listen when I needed someone to talk to. Your wisdom, dear Grandma, has been my guiding light through life’s ups and downs.

Thank you for being my rock, my confidant, and my source of inspiration. You are a treasure, and I am incredibly grateful to have you as my Grandma.

With all my love, [Your Name]

#2. A Letter to Grandma Sharing Nostalgia and Cherished Memories

As I sit down to write this letter, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. I find myself transported back to the countless cherished memories we’ve created together over the years. From the aroma of freshly baked cookies in your kitchen to the creaking of the porch swing as we shared our deepest thoughts, these moments are etched in my heart like a timeless melody.

Do you remember the times we spent gardening together, nurturing those vibrant flowers that mirrored your spirit? Or the hours we spent poring over family photo albums, your stories bringing those faded snapshots to life? These memories are the threads that weave the tapestry of our relationship, and I hold them close to my heart.

Your wisdom and warmth have had a profound impact on my life. Your laughter is music to my ears, and your stories are a treasure trove of lessons and inspiration. I am endlessly grateful for the special bond we share, Grandma.

With love and nostalgia, [Your Name]

#3. A Letter to Grandma Sharing Updates on Life and Milestones

I hope this letter finds you well and surrounded by love. There are so many exciting updates I want to share with you! Recently, I graduated from school with honors, a milestone that would not have been possible without your constant encouragement and unwavering belief in me.

The journey to this point has been filled with challenges and triumphs, and you’ve been my guiding star through it all. Your words of wisdom have echoed in my mind as I faced each obstacle and celebrated every success. Grandma, you’ve instilled in me the value of perseverance and the importance of pursuing my dreams.

As I embark on this new chapter in my life, I carry your love and support with me every step of the way. Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader, my mentor, and my source of strength.

With love and gratitude, [Your Name]

#4. A Letter to Grandma Sharing Family News and Updates

I hope this letter brings warmth and joy to your heart. Our family has been thriving, and there’s so much news to share with you. First and foremost, we welcomed a precious addition to the family – a beautiful baby boy. His arrival has filled our home with laughter, tears of joy, and endless diaper changes!

Grandma, your wisdom as a mother and grandmother is invaluable to us. Your guidance and support have been instrumental in helping us navigate the early days of parenthood. We can’t wait for you to meet him and shower him with your love, just as you’ve done for all of us.

In addition to our growing family, we’ve been creating wonderful memories together, just as we did when I was a child. The traditions you passed down to us continue to bring us closer and strengthen our bonds.

With love and anticipation, [Your Name]

#5. A Letter to Grandma Expressing Love and Connection

This letter is a simple reminder of the profound love and connection I feel for you. Throughout my life, you’ve been a constant source of love, strength, and inspiration. No matter where life’s journey has taken me, your presence in my heart remains unwavering.

Your love is like a warm embrace that envelops me in comfort and security. Your laughter is the melody of my childhood, and your stories are the wisdom that guides me through life’s twists and turns. You are more than a Grandma; you are a cherished friend and confidant.

As the years pass, one thing remains certain: I love you more deeply than words can express. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our family, for your unwavering support, and for simply being you.

Feel free to personalize these sample letters with your own experiences, emotions, and memories to create a heartfelt message that will touch your Grandma’s heart.

Closing Thoughts

Writing a letter to your Grandma, whether it’s filled with gratitude, cherished memories, or updates on life, is a beautiful way to strengthen the bond between generations. These heartfelt letters are more than just words on paper; they are a bridge that connects hearts, transcending time and distance.

In a world where digital communication often takes center stage, a handwritten letter to Grandma remains a precious and timeless gesture. It’s a testament to the enduring love, wisdom, and connection shared between grandparents and grandchildren.

So, pick up that pen, choose the perfect stationery, and let your heart flow onto the pages. Your letters will create a tapestry of love and memories that your Grandma will treasure forever.

Letter to Grandmother: 4 Templates and Emails

Template: 1

Table of Contents

Letter to Grandmother

Dearest Granny,

I cannot explain in words the way I love you and respect you. You are the one who has been raising me with so much love and care. Though my parents have brought me into this world and very much thankful for the love and support they have given to me. But I cannot actually forget the sacrifices that you did for me.

You had always fought with my parents whenever they scolded me. You have loved me to such an extent that you have indeed spoilt me.

I just remember when I was very young, I used to come back from school and share all I did in the class. I remember how you helped me to draw beautiful pictures. You had discovered my hidden potential, the artist in me. Do you remember, granny about the day when I won the inter-school drawing competition? I brought the prize and dedicated it to you.

It is because you inspired me to get close to nature and use it as the subject to draw different images. Even my parents were happy with my winning. I just cannot forget the way you had taken care of me whenever I had fallen sick. You took to me to the doctor. 

Now, as I am becoming older, it is my responsibility to take care of you in a better way. I want you to stay in pink health.  I must see that you have your food and medicine on time. I am always there for you, dear granny!

From Your loving Grandson,

[Mention your name]

Download Template : ( pdf, docs, ODT, RTF, txt, HTML, Epub, Etc )

Template: 2

Letter to Your Grandmother

My Beloved Granny,

How are you, dear Granny? It has been a long time we could not meet each other; it is nearly over [mention number of months] months. It was during the last Christmas, we had come to see you in your place. You were busy knitting scarf that you had gifted and had baked delicious cookies and muffins.

I will not forget the wonderful lunch which you had prepared for us. I regret that we could not actually stay at your place for a long time as our father had other commitments. But for me, you are the most important person. I would like to sacrifice my other commitments and meet you and stay beside you and take care of you for your entire lifetime.  

I have made up my mind and informed my parents that I spending my summer holidays at your house.  It will be a great time for both of us. I would love to visit the Church close to your house on Sundays with you and attend the prayer meeting. I would like to listen to the stories of your childhood days. I am quite excited about it.

Moreover, it will be a real fun time for me as I will be spending time with my maternal cousins at your place.

 I have set plans to do a lot of things in your house. Till then, please take care of yourself. We will be meeting very soon. May you always have sunny days and bask in happiness. 

I just want your blessings always!

Your loving granddaughter,

Template: 3

Letter for Grandmother

My loveable Granny,

I just cannot explain how I miss you every day. You are the most valuable person in my life. Not every person is as lucky as me. Because, they do not have such a lovely grandmother like you for me, you are straight from the fairy tale stories. You are a symbol of love, compassion, and divinity.

You have been taking care of me ever since the day I have been born. My mother had shared about how you had actually taken care of me and also my mother after my birth.  I really owe you for whatever you have done for the entire family. My mother informed me about how you had taken care of her with food and medication when I was in her womb. It was due to your nursing and support that I was born healthy. 

I had always enjoyed your company as you had always interesting fairy stories to share with me. Even my friends from school enjoyed coming to my place and listening to the storytelling session by you. 

I just cannot forget the Christmas season and birthdays of mine when you used to get busy preparing cakes and puddings. Today, I am away from you, missing you very much. But I am promising that moment my studies are over and I get a job, I will look after you. 

Granny dear, please take care of your health. You do not know how upset I have been after hearing about your sickness from my father. 

I hope to see you healthy and happy when I come during the vacation.

Template: 4

Short Letter to Grandmother

My Beloved Grandmother,

It has been a long time since I had actually written a letter to you.  I believe that it’s been over a month. I would like to write down letters every day but the pressure of studies is not letting me do so. I have my exams ahead and so I am preparing for them. But I am also concerned about your health at the same time. It had been over a period of [mention the time span] months that we have met each other.

I recently heard from my father that you were not doing fine. You had become weak and fragile. He had then taken you to the doctor. I believe that you are following the doctor’s instructions and taking the medication and food on time.

I cannot explain in words how I am passing the days after hearing about your sickness and treatment. But I am also sure that everything will be fine in the coming days. 

I just cannot forget the days when I was a child and I used to be sick, how you used to stay beside me the entire night to take care of me without sleeping for a single moment. I am really grateful to you for whatever you did for me. It is because of you, that I have grown up into a healthy person and doing my higher studies.

I know that I would not be able to repay for whatever you have done for me. But I want to be your pillar of support and overcome all the difficulties. 

I love you very much. Please take care!

From Your Loving Grandson,

[mention your name]

Similar Posts:

• How to Write an Anniversary Letter: 50 Free Templates
• Love Letter for Girlfriend: 60+ heart Touching Templates
• Love Letter to Boyfriend: 60 heart-touching Templates
• How To Write A Christmas Letter: 50+ Templates
• Happy Birthday Letters: 30 Templates
• Mother in Law Wedding Day letter: 8 Templates
• 35+ Heart Touching Love Letters to Sister (pdf+ Doc)
• Love Letters: 40+ Heartfelt Letter Formats
• Birthday Letter To Mother In Law: 4 Templates
• Letter to Sister: 35+ heart Touching Templates

“Business, marketing, and blogging – these three words describe me the best. I am the founder of Burban Branding and Media, and a self-taught marketer with 10 years of experience. My passion lies in helping startups enhance their business through marketing, HR, leadership, and finance. I am on a mission to assist businesses in achieving their goals.”

Recommended for you

An appreciation letter to my grandmother, no love compares to the love we share and that is so special to me..

Dear Grandma,

I know you may never actually read this even if I post it to your Facebook wall. I do give you a lot of credit for welcoming the new age of technology with an open mind despite the struggles you have with sending a simple email.

I want to take a moment to tell you how important you are to me and what an impact you have made on my life. Yes, I have had lots of influences and amazing role models to admire, but you are different. There is just something about the bond of a grandchild and their grandmother. Something so special that finding the words to explain it seem nearly impossible. It is not visible or tangible, but it is such an overwhelming feeling of love and admiration. So much so that your heart is on the verge of overflowing with endless amounts of love.

From a young age I watched you sing to flowers and talk to animals in the yard, simple and yet silly things that were in their own way so beautiful. Home cooked dinners and cookies made from scratch always tasted better when they were from you. You would swear you added a secret ingredient but we could never guess what it was. Now that I’m much older I know what that ingredient was: LOVE.

You teach me life lessons and family secret recipes. Although my cakes will never quite be like yours and my knitted scarfs are always lopsided I have fun making them with you. Some may say I’m an old lady for loving the time I spend with an 80 year old, but I don’t mind. I’d say you’re rather hip for your age. Never has an elder women taken a better selfie than you and your modern vocabulary is very fleeky.

Growing up with you has been a total blessing and I am and always will be forever grateful for that. You showed me the beauty in the little things and taught me to accept the things that weren’t always so beautiful. When life made me face hardships you reminded me that I was not alone. You held both my hand and my heart through some of the best and worst days of my life.

I love you and appreciate you more than you will ever know. No love compares to the love we share and that is so special to me.

Love always,

Your Granddaughter

Subscribe to our Newsletter

19 lessons i'll never forget from growing up in a small town, there have been many lessons learned..

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. The importance of traditions.

Sometimes traditions seem like a silly thing, but the fact of it is that it's part of who you are. You grew up this way and, more than likely, so did your parents. It is something that is part of your family history and that is more important than anything.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

No matter how many times they get on your nerves or make you mad, they are the ones who will always be there and you should never take that for granted.

3. How to give back.

When tragedy strikes in a small town, everyone feels obligated to help out because, whether directly or indirectly, it affects you too. It is easy in a bigger city to be able to disconnect from certain problems. But in a small town those problems affect everyone.

4. What the word "community" really means.

Along the same lines as #3, everyone is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when you need one in a small town and to me that is the true meaning of community. It's working together to build a better atmosphere, being there to raise each other up, build each other up, and pick each other up when someone is in need. A small town community is full of endless support whether it be after a tragedy or at a hometown sports game. Everyone shows up to show their support.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

People say this to others all the time, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a small town. It is true that life is about the journey, but when you're from a small town, you know it's about the journey because the journey probably takes longer than you spend at the destination. Everything is so far away that it is totally normal to spend a couple hours in the car on your way to some form of entertainment. And most of the time, you're gonna have as many, if not more, memories and laughs on the journey than at the destination.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

Word travels fast in a small town, so don't think you're gonna get away with anything. In fact, your parents probably know what you did before you even have a chance to get home and tell them. And forget about being scared of what your teacher, principle, or other authority figure is going to do, you're more afraid of what your parents are gonna do when you get home.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

Everyone deserves a chance. Most people don't have ill-intentions and you can't live your life guarding against every one else just because a few people in your life have betrayed your trust.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

While small towns are not always extremely diverse, they do contain people with a lot of different stories, struggle, and backgrounds. In a small town, it is pretty hard to exclude anyone because of who they are or what they come from because there aren't many people to choose from. A small town teaches you that just because someone isn't the same as you, doesn't mean you can't be great friends.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

In a small town, you learn that it's okay to be who you are and do your own thing. You learn that confidence isn't how beautiful you are or how much money you have, it's who you are on the inside.

10. How to work for what I want.

Nothing comes easy in life. They always say "gardens don't grow overnight" and if you're from a small town you know this both figuratively and literally. You certainly know gardens don't grow overnight because you've worked in a garden or two. But you also know that to get to the place you want to be in life it takes work and effort. It doesn't just happen because you want it to.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

If you're from a small town, you know that you will probably only meet a handful of people in your life who ACTUALLY know where your town is. And forget about the people who accidentally enter into your town because of google maps. You've gotten really good at giving them directions right back to the interstate.

12. How to be humble.

My small town has definitely taught me how to be humble. It isn't always about you, and anyone who grows up in a small town knows that. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and since there's so few of us, we're probably best friends with everyone so we are as excited when they get their moment of fame as we are when we get ours.

13. To be well-rounded.

Going to a small town high school definitely made me well-rounded. There isn't enough kids in the school to fill up all the clubs and sports teams individually so be ready to be a part of them all.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

In a small town, good luck holding a grudge. In a bigger city you can just avoid a person you don't like or who you've had problems with. But not in a small town. You better resolve the issue fast because you're bound to see them at least 5 times a week.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

One of my favorite things about growing up in a rural area was being able to go outside and go exploring and not have to worry about being in danger. There is nothing more exciting then finding a new place somewhere in town or in the woods and just spending time there enjoying the natural beauty around you.

16. To be prepared for anything.

You never know what may happen. If you get a flat tire, you better know how to change it yourself because you never know if you will be able to get ahold of someone else to come fix it. Mechanics might be too busy , or more than likely you won't even have enough cell service to call one.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

It's okay to ask for help. One thing I realized when I moved away from my town for college, was how much my town has taught me that I could ask for help is I needed it. I got into a couple situations outside of my town where I couldn't find anyone to help me and found myself thinking, if I was in my town there would be tons of people ready to help me. And even though I couldn't find anyone to help, you better believe I wasn't afraid to ask.

18. How to be creative.

When you're at least an hour away from normal forms of entertainment such as movie theaters and malls, you learn to get real creative in entertaining yourself. Whether it be a night looking at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck or having a movie marathon in a blanket fort at home, you know how to make your own good time.

19. To brush off gossip.

It's all about knowing the person you are and not letting others influence your opinion of yourself. In small towns, there is plenty of gossip. But as long as you know who you really are, it will always blow over.

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations..

Whether you met your new love interest online , through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

1. What do you do for a living?

What someone does for a living can tell a lot about who they are and what they're interested in! Their career reveals a lot more about them than just where they spend their time to make some money.

2. What's your favorite color?

OK, I get it, this seems like something you would ask a Kindergarten class, but I feel like it's always good to know someone's favorite color . You could always send them that Snapchat featuring you in that cute shirt you have that just so happens to be in their favorite color!

3. Do you have any siblings?

This one is actually super important because it's totally true that people grow up with different roles and responsibilities based on where they fall in the order. You can tell a lot about someone just based on this seemingly simple question.

4. What's your favorite television show?

OK, maybe this isn't a super important question, but you have to know ASAP if you can quote Michael Scott or not. If not, he probably isn't the one. Sorry, girl.

5. When is your birthday?

You can then proceed to do the thing that every girl does without admitting it and see how compatible your zodiacs are.

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

If you're like me, you have big goals that you want to reach someday, and you want a man behind you who also has big goals and understands what it's like to chase after a dream. If his biggest goal is to see how quickly he can binge-watch " Grey's Anatomy " on Netflix , you may want to move on.

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

This is a go-to for an insight into their personality. Based on how they answer, you can tell if they're goofy, serious, or somewhere in between.

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

For some, this may be a hard question if it involves a family member or friend who has since passed away . For others, it may revolve around a tradition that no longer happens. The answers to this question are almost endless!

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

We all have parts of our lives and stories that we wish we could change. It's human nature to make mistakes. This question is a little bit more personal but can really build up the trust level.

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

I mean, duh! If you're a dog person, and he is a cat person, it's not going to work out.

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

Personally, I am a Christian, and as a result, I want to be with someone who shares those same values. I know some people will argue that this question is too much in the talking stage , but why go beyond the talking stage if your personal values will never line up?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Even homebodies have a must visit place on their bucket list !

13. What is your ideal date night?

Hey, if you're going to go for it... go for it!

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

For me, it was hands-down Nick Jonas . This is always a fun question to ask!

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

Let's be real, if you put a label on it, you're not going to see your significant other at their best 24/7.

16. Do you have any tattoos?

This can lead to some really good conversations, especially if they have a tattoo that has a lot of meaning to them!

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

It's always interesting to see if how the person you're talking to views their personal traits lines ups with the vibes you're getting.

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

This question can go multiple different directions, and it could also be a launching pad for other conversations.

19. What's the best gift you have ever received? 

Admittedly, I have asked this question to friends as well, but it's neat to see what people value.

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

Work hard, play hard, right?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

This is always interesting because no matter how compatible your personalities may be, if one of you wants to be serious and the other is looking for something casual, it's just not going to work.

Follow Swoon on Instagram .

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in challah bread or easter bread.

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

A few weeks ago, I was given a loaf of bread called Challah (pronounced like holla), and upon my first bite, I realized it tasted just like Easter Bread. It was so delicious that I just had to make some of my own, which I did.

The recipe is as follows:

Ingredients

2 tsp active dry or instant yeast 1 cup lukewarm water 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white granulated sugar 2 tsp salt 2 large eggs 1 large egg yolk (reserve the white for the egg wash) 1/4 cup neutral-flavored vegetable oil

Instructions

• Combine yeast and a pinch of sugar in small bowl with the water and stir until you see a frothy layer across the top.
• Whisk together 4 cups of the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
• Make a well in the center of the flour and add in eggs, egg yolk, and oil. Whisk these together to form a slurry, pulling in a little flour from the sides of the bowl.
• Pour the yeast mixture over the egg slurry and mix until difficult to move.
• Turn out the dough onto a floured work surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes. If the dough seems very sticky, add flour a teaspoon at a time until it feels tacky, but no longer like bubblegum. The dough has finished kneading when it is soft, smooth, and holds a ball-shape.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place somewhere warm. Let the dough rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• Separate the dough into four pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope roughly 1-inch thick and 16 inches long.
• Gather the ropes and squeeze them together at the very top. Braid the pieces in the pattern of over, under, and over again. Pinch the pieces together again at the bottom.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment and lift the loaf on top. Sprinkle the loaf with a little flour and drape it with a clean dishcloth. Place the pan somewhere warm and away from drafts and let it rise until puffed and pillowy, about an hour.
• Heat the oven to 350°F. Whisk the reserved egg white with a tablespoon of water and brush it all over the challah. Be sure to get in the cracks and down the sides of the loaf.
• Slide the challah on its baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. The challah is done when it is deeply browned.

I kept wondering how these two breads could be so similar in taste. So I decided to look up a recipe for Easter Bread to make a comparison. The two are almost exactly the same! These recipes are similar because they come from religious backgrounds. The Jewish Challah bread is based on kosher dietary laws. The Christian Easter Bread comes from the Jewish tradition but was modified over time because they did not follow kosher dietary laws.

A recipe for Easter bread is as follows:

2 tsp active dry or instant yeast 2/3 cup milk 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup white granulated sugar 2 tbs butter 2 large eggs 2 tbs melted butter 1 tsp salt

• In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and yeast; stir well. Combine milk and butter in a small saucepan; heat until milk is warm and butter is softened but not melted.
• Gradually add the milk and butter to the flour mixture; stirring constantly. Add two eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
• Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
• Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal size rounds; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each round into a long roll about 36 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick. Using the two long pieces of dough, form a loosely braided ring, leaving spaces for the five colored eggs. Seal the ends of the ring together and use your fingers to slide the eggs between the braids of dough.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place loaf on a buttered baking sheet and cover loosely with a damp towel. Place loaf in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Brush risen loaf with melted butter.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Both of these recipes are really easy to make. While you might need to have a day set aside for this activity, you can do things while the dough is rising or in the oven. After only a few hours, you have a delicious loaf of bread that you made from scratch, so the time and effort is really worth it!

Trending Topics

Songs About Being 17 Grey's Anatomy Quotes Vine Quotes 4 Leaf Clover Self Respect

Top Creators

1. Brittany Morgan,   National Writer's Society 2. Radhi,   SUNY Stony Brook 3. Kristen Haddox , Penn State University 4. Jennifer Kustanovich , SUNY Stony Brook 5. Clare Regelbrugge , University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Trending Stories

Unforgettable partnerships: 100 dynamic duos that go beyond time, a letter to my best friend on her birthday, nostalgic 2000s songs: 100 throwback hits that'll transport you to childhood, an appreciative thank you letter to my ex-boyfriend, write him a letter to show your boyfriend your appreciation, best of relationships top 10 reasons my school rocks, 70 of the most referenced movies ever, 7 new year clichés: break free, embrace change, the ultimate birthday: unveiling the perfect day to celebrate, unleash inspiration: 15 relatable disney lyrics, subscribe to our newsletter, facebook comments.

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Letter Writing

How to Write a Letter to Grandma

Last Updated: September 25, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was reviewed by Tami Claytor . Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 318,445 times.

Do you want to make your grandma really happy? One of the easiest ways to do this is to write her a nice letter to thank her for a gift, tell her what's happening in your life, or just let her know you're thinking of her.

Letter-Writing Help

Writing a letter to grandma

Writing a visit soon letter to grandma

• Don't be too sentimental while writing; this spoils the natural effect of your message.
• Don't give bad expressions about anyone whom she loves.
• Avoid using slang or curse words.

Community Q&A

• Always indent and write a new paragraph if you begin writing about a new topic. [7] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Older people tend to lose their vision. Take that into consideration and write neatly. It will be much more special if she can read it. Use your best handwriting. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• It is the thought that counts! Don't worry if you don't like it. She will love it because it came from your heart. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Don't bring up the death of a loved one. She might start to cry. Thanks Helpful 64 Not Helpful 15
• Don't bring up problems in the family. It will bring the "special level" of the letter down. Thanks Helpful 54 Not Helpful 21

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-write-a-letter/
• ↑ https://classroom.synonym.com/do-you-indent-in-a-letter-12084213.html
• ↑ https://www.reference.com/education/definition-body-letter-c10c02472eaeaa2b
• ↑ https://www.theclassroom.com/the-seven-parts-of-a-letter-12084087.html
• ↑ https://www.brainpickings.org/2012/12/21/how-to-write-letters-1876/
• ↑ http://englishplus.com/grammar/00000143.htm

About This Article

Writing a letter to your grandma is a great way to make her smile. Start your letter by mentioning something that made you think about her recently, like wearing a scarf she knitted you or hearing a singer she likes on the radio. If she sent you a gift, open you letter by thanking her for it. You can also remind her of a happy memory you’ve shared or tell her what you miss about her, like her cooking or going to the park with her. If you’re planning to visit her soon, mention this and tell her you’re excited to see her. Don’t worry about writing like a poet, since your grandma will be happy that you took the time to write to her. However, try to make your writing neat so she can read it. For a sample letter to your grandma, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Mr. Anonymous Mr. Mysterious

Apr 24, 2020

Did this article help you?

Nevaeh Kauffman

Jan 6, 2017

Sophia Barker

Nov 25, 2020

Mar 10, 2018

Oct 21, 2016

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

A Heartfelt Open Letter From A Grandchild To Their Grandmother

Disclaimer: Devoted Grandma is reader-supported. If you purchase anything through my site, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Thank you.

There is no denying that your grandchildren are your absolute favorite people and that you do not know how you lived so long without them, but did you know that they also have those same strong and loving feelings for you?

There is nothing quite as sacred and pure as the bond between grandmother and grandchild ( you can read my thoughts here via this open letter to my grandchildren ).

All the proof you need is in this open letter to a grandma from her grandchild:

Do any of my fellow grandmas feel like they could have penned this exact thing for their grandkids (instead of the other way around)? The bond between grandma and grandchild is something special, and I hope this open letter reminds you of just how loved and treasured you are!   

Love Being A Grandma?

Then you'll love my daily email! Over 88,500 grandmas get it to start their morning off on the right foot. It's uplifting, fun, and always completely free. Give it a try below!

Hello GorJess

Hello GorJess Blog | Inspirational and Lifestyle Brand, Blog & Podcast

To My Grandma, You Are My Everything

There’s no denying that my love for my grandmother is strong.

What some may not know is why she is so incredibly special to me.

For an obvious reason, she is my grandmother and that alone would be reason to love her, but my love for my grandma runs much deeper.

I grew up right next door to my grandmother, so “going to Grandma’s house” was a daily occurrence for me.

She is the first stop when I arrive home and is always my last stop before I head back to good ole Thib.

All my life, my grandma has done so much for me and there will never be a day or moment when I am not thankful for her.

Aside from the obvious cooking, baking and sewing, she has shown me so much love, more than I deserve, through the smallest actions.

Over the years, our bond has become undeniably strong. We love many of the same things like hot tea, musicals, records and of course….shopping. It’s our favorite sport (besides golf)!

These are the moments I hold so dear to my heart. Each time we are together, the conversation never stops and it’s as though we never skipped a beat.

Even when I am away, she is not far from my mind and I know I am not far from hers. Something each day reminds me of her. Whether I see a beautiful flower in bloom or smell baked goods in the grocery store, she is always on my mind…which is how it should be, right?

I feel so lucky to love someone so deeply for reasons that often leave me speechless and bring such joy to my heart.

My grandma is one of my top priorities and I make a point to always make her feel special and loved unconditionally, because that is exactly what she is..so undeniably special.

It’s hard to choose what I love most about her because she has so many wonderful qualities.

If I were to choose just one, I would say her greatest attribute would be her patience. She listens so intently, and this is something that I believe I have learned from her.

There is something so admirable about having a conversation with someone who truly listens to you. For me, she is that person, and I know she will always listen to each and every word I say.

She and I have shared so many memories together. I can write a series of books on the life lessons she has taught me and the many wonderful moments we have shared together. Not even kidding, I think they would be best sellers!

Fun fact…when I was little, we had a secret mailbox hidden in our warehouse where she and I would exchange a letter to one another every day!

Just the other day, she showed me the letters. Can you believe she saved every single letter I wrote her?! I was so surprised and unbelievably touched.

Even as a small child, my love for her was strong. Though my writing was child-like, the words expressed a message of love.

Over the years, we have laughed and cried our way through so many things. We have solved the world’s problems over tea and scones and managed to brighten each other’s day with a simple phone call or text. (She’s a 90 year old woman who rocks at iMessage, y’all)!

I would break any date (and have a couple of times- true story) to spend time with her. The time we spend together is always quality and precious.

As odd as this may sound, watching her grow older has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. There is just something so special about watching a person you love grow older.

I have watched her age so gracefully and somehow, she manages to get more beautiful by the day.

I feel as though I am growing with her and that alone brings such a warm feeling to my heart.

She may not realize this, but a large part of my heart belongs to her and always will. What she also may not realize is, that for the last 26 years, I have been watching her intently and learning from her words and actions.

She has modeled elegance and grace through the hardest times of her life and has perfected the art of a proper hug. (She really does give the best hugs, guys)!

She is the most dependable, honest, genuine and loving person I know. She loves everyone and everything with her whole and entire heart, which is a rare quality to find in a person.

What I hope she realizes is, that in 91 years, she has become something so great which surpasses what our generation may view as a successful, modern woman.

She is my grandmother, my best friend, the absolute most wonderful person in my life, my rock, and my everything.

To the woman who inspires and supports my every word and action, you will never know just how much I love you.

I love you more.

Share this:

2 thoughts on “ to my grandma, you are my everything ”.

A beautiful tribute to a rare and beautiful woman. She is a jewel no doubt and you are blessed to have grown up with her so close. Thank you for sharing your heart and your relationship with Auntie G with us.

Thank you so much for the kind words. They truly mean SO MUCH!!!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from hello gorjess.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Life Love

Love Letter to My Grandma - to One of the Greatest Person

*minimum deadline

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below

• Single Parenting
• Perseverance
• Clinical Experience

Related Essays

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

• My Grandmother Essay in 100, 150, 250, 300, 400 Words for Students

Here we are sharing some beautiful essays on my grandmother in 100, 150, 250, 300, 400 words. These essays are very easy to learn for any students.

In This Blog We Will Discuss

My Grandmother: Short Essay (100 Words)

We are a big family living together. My grandma is the head of the family. She is the oldest person here. We love her. My grandmother name is Rabeya Khatun and she is 78 years old. In this age, she is still strong enough and can do so many own works. My grandma is a really good woman.

She wakes up early in the morning and starts her day with prayer. She encourages us to pray more and more. She is the busiest person in our family because she takes care of all of us. She loves to spend time in the kitchen. I love my grandmother a lot.

My Grandmother: Short Essay (150 Words)

My grandmother is the eldest member of our family. She has sacrificed a lot for this family. Now she deserves respect and love from us. We all grandchildren are a fan of her. She used to spend most of her time with us. The most interesting thing about my grandma is she shares lots of amazing stories.

Especially in the night, the stories of ghosts are really scary to us. But we love to hear these stories. She is almost 80 years old, but it’s not appropriate, because she doesn’t know her birth date. She has never celebrated her birthday. But at this age, she still can move properly like other young peoples.

She is such a strong and good mentality woman. She is a caring woman and takes care of the whole family. She is like a driver who operates a big bus. We love our grandma a lot.

My Grandmother: Essay (250 Words)

Introduction:

Grandparents really love, they love their grandchild’s a lot. Today I am going to sharing my experience with my own grandma. She is an amazing woman, I have ever seen in my entire life. We, whole family and cousins, love and respect her a lot. I think elderly people like her should be respected and loved by us. This will make the families better for them.  

My Grandmother:

My grandmother’s name is Sunita Mehta; she is about 75 years old. She was a school teacher at a young age. My father and uncles used to share lots of stories about her. They share how she has sacrificed a lot in her life for this family. She was an absolutely hardworking woman, who was really committed to make this family a better place. When my grandfather was struggling with his job, she came out and helped him working as a teacher. Besides this, she has done so many things for the family.  

What She Does:

She is a religious woman. Most of her time, she spend doing prayer and Puja . In her leisure time, she sat with us and share lots of stories. Her stories are really addictive and that’s made us a fan of her. At this age, she still goes to the kitchen and takes care of the cooking. She was an amazing cook.  

Conclusion:

My mother and aunties love my grandma a lot. They respect her and help her in all of her works. We all cousins also try loving her. She is the most amazing woman in my life.    

My Grandmother: Essay (300 Words)

Most of the family, there is the eldest member. In our family, we have gone our grandma as the eldest member. She is the leader and the guide for the whole family. Before doing anything, we ask her for permission. It’s all about love and respect for her. In her time, she has done so much sacrifice for the family. Today I am going to share my experience with grandma.  

The name of my grandma is Nazma Ahmed. She is about 70 years old and she is still can walk, and move properly. She is an interesting character. She is very talkative and loves to share stories with us. I and my cousins are really curious about spending time with her.    

Her Daily Routine:

She wakes up early in the morning and starts her day with Morning Prayer. She is a very religious person. She encourages the whole family to pray more and more. In her this age, she still goes to the kitchen just to take care of the cooking situation. She was an amazing cook in her time. She takes her bath at 1 PM, before the noon prayer. In the afternoon, she sat with all of us and teaches us some time. She doesn’t have any major health issues yet.  

How Much I Love Her:

I love her a lot. She is like my best friend. From childhood , I am spending most of my time with her. Not only, there a couple of cousins are we raising together and spending time together with her. She always loves us a lot. Even the whole family loves her.  

She is the most senior person in our family and we respect her for this. She has done so many things to make this family better for us.

My Grandmother: Essay (400 Words)

Grandparents are the eldest member in every family. My grandfather is no more, but there is my grandma who is fulfilling the blank space of grandpa. Today I am going to share my love and feeling about my grandma. She is such an amazing woman I have ever seen in my entire life.  

My grandma:

Her name is Ruksana Ahmed, and she is 74 years old. In this age, she is still strong enough. She can walk, and do a few little works too. At this stage of life, she still takes care of the whole family. As usual, she is the most important person in the family. Everyone values her decision and ask her before doing anything major. She is a religious woman. Most of her time, she used to spend praying. She teaches us the holy book Quran. In the time, when I was a kid, she used to teach me and a few of my cousins together. Now she doesn’t have good eyesight, but she still can read with her glasses.  

Her life in a few words:

My grandma had a colorful life. My father and uncles have shared lots of stories of her. Her marriage with my grandpa has arranged so big and awesome celebration. She was the most beautiful girl in the area. Grandpa falls in love and asks her father to marry her.

Both families agreed and they got married. The most touching part of her life is, they faced some financial problems as a family. She started working as a part-time school teacher. She was really hardworking. That was really tough to maintain the whole family, lots of household works after doing teaching in the school.

But she did these successfully. Her hard work pays off and she was able to create a better place for the next generation. We love her a lot. She was a true fighter.  

I and my cousins best friend:

She is my best friend. Not only I, but there also are lots of my cousins who used to spend most of the times with her. She loves us too. She never refuses us in anything. She always loves to tell us stories and teach us small lessons. She is very friendly.  

After all, the whole family loves her. She has lots of contributions to this family. That’s why they never let her be down. Everyone respects her as like deities. I love my grandmother a lot too.  

Related Essays and Paragraphs:

• Environment Pollution Essay Writing for Students
• Essay on Aim in Life | 100, 150, 300, 500 Words Paragraphs and Essays
• Essay on Railway Station | Short and Long Essays for Students
• Essay on Female Education: For All Students
• Essay on My Mother: 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 Words Essays
• Rainy Season Essay and Paragraph for School Students
• Essay on Winter Vacation for All Class Students
• Essay on Social Media for School and College Students
• Essay on Myself: For All Classes Students and Children
• Essay on Travelling in English for All Class
• Essay on Save Water in 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 Words for All Classes
• Essay on My Best Friend in 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 Words
• Essay on My Parents: 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 Words
• My Sister Essay in 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 Words for All Students
• Visit to a Historical Place Essay for All Class
• Essay on How I Spent My Holidays at Home

Related posts:

• Paragraph on a Book Fair for Children and Students
• Paragraph on Deforestation for Student and Children
• Pleasure of Reading Paragraph for School and College
• Short and Simple Paragraph about My Family
• Folk Music Paragraph for School Students
• Essay on My Favourite Book in 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 Words

Know How to Write a Letter to your Grandparents – 15+ Examples

• Letter Writing
• March 20, 2024
• Family Letters

Write a Letter to your Grandparents: Writing a family letter to your grandparents is a great way to stay in touch and let them know how much they mean to you. Whether you’re living far away or just want to show them some extra love and appreciation, a heartfelt letter can be a wonderful gesture.

In your letter, you can share updates on your life, reminisce about old memories, or simply express your gratitude for their presence in your life. Taking the time to write a letter shows your grandparents that you value their relationship and are willing to put in the effort to maintain it.

Also Check: Letter Writing To Father

Write a Letter to your Grandparents – writing tips

Content in this article

When Write a Letter to your Grandparents, it’s essential to infuse it with warmth, sincerity, and affection. Here are some writing tips to help you craft a heartfelt and meaningful Write a Letter to your Grandparents:

• Start with a Warm Greeting: Begin your Write a Letter to your Grandparents with a warm and affectionate greeting, such as “Dear Grandma and Grandpa,” or any other term of endearment you use to address them.
• Express Your Love and Gratitude: Express your love and gratitude for your grandparents. Let them know how much they mean to you and how grateful you are for their presence in your life.
• Share Personal Memories and Stories: Write a Letter to your Grandparents Share personal memories or stories that highlight your special bond with your grandparents. Recall fond moments you’ve shared together or any experiences that have had a significant impact on you.
• Update Them on Your Life: Write a Letter to your Grandparents Provide updates on your life, such as your studies, work, hobbies, or any significant events or milestones. Share your achievements, challenges, and aspirations with them.
• Ask About Their Well-Being: Write a Letter to your Grandparents Show genuine interest in your grandparents’ well-being. Inquire about their health, activities, and anything else that may be on their minds. Let them know that you care about them deeply.
• Offer Support and Assistance: Write a Letter to your Grandparents Offer your support and assistance if your grandparents need help with anything. Whether it’s running errands, helping with household chores, or simply spending time with them, let them know that you’re there for them.
• Include Words of Encouragement: Offer words of encouragement and reassurance to your grandparents. Let them know that you believe in them and that you’re proud of who they are and everything they’ve accomplished.
• Close with Warm Wishes: Close your Write a Letter to your Grandparents with warm wishes for their well-being and happiness. End on a positive note, expressing your love and affection once again.
• Consider Handwriting the Letter: Consider handwriting your Write a Letter to your Grandparents to add a personal touch. Handwritten letters can feel more intimate and special, making them even more meaningful to your grandparents.
• Proofread Before Sending: Before sending your Write a Letter to your Grandparents, take a moment to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your message comes across clearly and that your love and affection shine through in every word.

Remember, the most important thing is to write from the heart and convey your genuine feelings to your grandparents. Your Write a Letter to your Grandparents is a beautiful way to strengthen your bond and show your love and appreciation for them.

Write a Letter to your Grandparents – Sample format

Below is a sample format of Write a Letter to your Grandparents:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number] [Date]

[Grandparents’ Name] [Grandparents’ Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

I hope this letter finds you both in good health and high spirits. As always, you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers, and I wanted to take a moment to reach out and send you my warmest greetings.

Life has been keeping me busy lately, but not a day goes by without me reminiscing about the cherished moments we’ve shared together. Your love, wisdom, and guidance have shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

I wanted to share some updates from my end. [You can mention any recent personal or professional achievements, experiences, or events that you think would interest them]. Additionally, I’ve been reflecting on the fond memories of our time together [you can share specific memories or experiences that hold a special place in your heart].

Please know that even though we may be physically distant, you both hold a very dear place in my heart, and I carry your love and teachings with me wherever I go.

I am eagerly looking forward to our next reunion and the opportunity to create more cherished memories together. Until then, please take care of yourselves and know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending you all my love and warmest wishes,

[Your Name] [Your Signature if sending a physical letter]

Feel free to customize the letter according to your specific relationship with your grandparents and the content you wish to convey to them.

Write a Letter to your Grandparents – Sample Format

write a letter to your grandparents – Example

Here’s an Example of Write a Letter to your Grandparents:

I hope this letter finds you both well. I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I miss you and how much I appreciate all the love and support you’ve given me over the years.

I’ve been keeping busy with school and extracurricular activities, but I wanted to take some time to tell you about some of the exciting things happening in my life. I recently joined the debate team, and we’ve been practicing really hard for our upcoming competition. I’m also taking a creative writing class, and I’m enjoying exploring my imagination through storytelling.

I’m also excited to tell you about my upcoming graduation. I’m looking forward to celebrating this milestone with my family, and I hope you can make it to the ceremony. It would mean the world to me to have you there.

I miss you both so much and I hope we can catch up soon. Please take care of yourselves.

Love always, [Your Name]

Write a Letter to your Grandparents – Example

letter to grandma and grandpa

Here is a letter to grandma and grandpa:

[Grandma and Grandpa’s Name] [Grandparents’ Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

I hope this letter finds you both in the best of health and spirits. Although we may not be able to see each other as often as we’d like, please know that you are always in my thoughts and close to my heart.

I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for all the love, wisdom, and joy you’ve brought into my life. Your unwavering support and guidance have shaped me in countless ways, and I am endlessly thankful for the cherished memories we’ve shared together.

As I reminisce about our times together, I am filled with warmth and nostalgia. From baking cookies together in your kitchen to listening to your captivating stories of the past, every moment spent with you holds a special place in my heart.

I also wanted to share some updates from my end. [You can mention any recent personal or professional achievements, experiences, or events that you think would interest them]. Despite life’s ups and downs, your love and encouragement continue to inspire me to strive for greatness.

Please take care of yourselves, dear grandparents. Your well-being is always my utmost concern, and I hope you are finding joy and comfort in each passing day.

I eagerly await the opportunity to see you again soon and create more beautiful memories together. Until then, please know that I love you both dearly and hold you close in my thoughts and prayers.

With all my love and affection,

[Your Name]

Letter to Grandma and Grandpa

Write a Letter to your Grandparents from grandchild

This is Write a Letter to your Grandparents from grandchild:

[Grandma’s Name] and [Grandpa’s Name] [Grandparents’ Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

I hope this letter finds you both well and surrounded by the warmth of your love and memories. Although miles may separate us, the bond we share remains strong, and I wanted to take this moment to express my deepest affection and gratitude for both of you.

As I sit down to write this letter, my mind is flooded with countless memories of our time together. From the gentle warmth of your hugs to the wisdom imparted through your stories, each moment spent with you has left an indelible mark on my heart.

I am endlessly grateful for the love and guidance you have showered upon me throughout my life. Your unwavering support has been my anchor in times of storm, and your laughter has been the melody that brightened even the darkest of days.

I wanted to share with you some updates from my life. [You can mention any recent personal or professional achievements, experiences, or events that you think would interest them]. Your encouragement has always fueled my aspirations, and I am eager to share my joys and triumphs with you.

Please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers, and I cherish the memories we’ve created together. Your wisdom, kindness, and unconditional love continue to inspire me every day, and I feel incredibly blessed to have you as my grandparents.

I look forward to the day when we can reunite and create more cherished memories together. Until then, please take care of yourselves and know that you are deeply loved and cherished by your grandchild.

Feel free to personalize the letter further with your own memories, experiences, and sentiments to make it more meaningful for your grandparents.

Write a Letter to your Grandparents from Grandchild

Write a Letter to your Grandparents – Template

Here’s a Template of Write a Letter to your Grandparents:

I hope this letter finds you both doing well. I miss you both so much and I wish I could be there with you. I know we can’t be together right now, but I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much you mean to me and how grateful I am to have you in my life.

I’ve been thinking a lot about our family history and the stories you’ve told me about our ancestors. It’s amazing to think about how far we’ve come and how much we’ve accomplished as a family. I hope to continue making you proud and carrying on our family traditions.

I’m also excited to tell you about some of the things I’ve been up to. I recently started learning how to play the guitar, and I’m really enjoying it. I’m also taking a course in world history, and it’s fascinating to learn about different cultures and their histories.

I miss you both so much and I hope to see you soon. Please take care of yourselves.

heartfelt letter to grandparents

Here’s a heartfelt letter to grandparents:

I hope this letter finds you both surrounded by love and warmth, just as you have always surrounded me with your affection and care. As I sit down to write this letter, my heart overflows with gratitude and love for both of you.

Throughout my life, you have been my pillars of strength, my sources of wisdom, and my greatest sources of love. Your unwavering support, kindness, and guidance have shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

I cherish the memories of our time together—whether it’s baking cookies in your kitchen, listening to your stories of the past, or simply sharing moments of laughter and joy. Each memory is a treasure that I hold dear to my heart, and I am grateful for every moment we’ve spent together.

As I navigate through life’s ups and downs, your love and wisdom continue to guide me. Your words of encouragement and your unwavering belief in me have given me the strength to overcome obstacles and pursue my dreams.

I want you both to know how much you mean to me and how deeply I appreciate everything you have done for me. Your love is a beacon of light that brightens even the darkest of days, and I feel incredibly blessed to have you as my grandparents.

I look forward to the day when we can be together again, creating more cherished memories and sharing moments of love and laughter. Until then, please take care of yourselves and know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

With all my love and gratitude,

Heartfelt Letter to Grandparents

Grandparents appreciation letter

Here is a Grandparents appreciation letter:

I hope this letter finds you both in good health and spirits. Today, I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for both of you.

As I reflect on my life’s journey, I am filled with profound gratitude for the love, wisdom, and support you have showered upon me. From the earliest days of my childhood to the present moment, your unwavering presence and guidance have been constant sources of strength and inspiration.

Grandma, your warm hugs, comforting words, and delicious homemade meals have always made me feel loved and cherished. Your nurturing nature and unwavering support have been a guiding light in my life, and I am forever grateful for the countless sacrifices you have made for our family.

Grandpa, your quiet strength, gentle wisdom, and endless stories have left an indelible mark on my heart. Your unwavering belief in me and your encouragement to pursue my dreams have given me the courage to overcome challenges and embrace opportunities with confidence.

Together, you both have created a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Whether it’s the holidays spent gathered around the dinner table, the quiet moments shared in your garden, or the laughter echoing through the halls of your home, each memory is a testament to the love and warmth you bring into our lives.

As I embark on new adventures and face new challenges, I carry with me the lessons you have taught me and the values you have instilled in me. Your love and guidance have shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa, for your unconditional love, unwavering support, and endless sacrifices. Your presence in my life is a gift beyond measure, and I am grateful for every moment we share together.

With all my love and appreciation,

Feel free to personalize the letter further with specific memories, experiences, and sentiments that reflect your relationship with your grandparents.

Grandparents Appreciation Letter

Thank you letter to grandparents

Here is a Thank you letter to grandparents:

I hope this letter finds you both well and surrounded by love and joy. As I sit down to write this letter, my heart overflows with gratitude and appreciation for both of you.

I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest thanks for everything you have done for me throughout my life. Your love, support, and guidance have been constant sources of strength and inspiration, and I am endlessly grateful for your presence in my life.

Grandma, your warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit have always made me feel loved and cherished. Whether it’s your comforting hugs, delicious homemade meals, or words of wisdom, you have always been there for me, offering your unwavering support and encouragement.

Grandpa, your quiet strength, wisdom, and endless stories have left an indelible mark on my heart. Your guidance, advice, and unwavering belief in me have given me the courage to pursue my dreams and overcome obstacles with confidence.

Together, you both have created a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. From the holidays spent gathered around the dinner table to the quiet moments shared in your garden, each memory is a testament to the love and warmth you bring into our lives.

I want you both to know how much you mean to me and how deeply I appreciate everything you have done for me. Your love and support have shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Thank you Letter to Grandparents

Write a Letter to your Grandparents – Email Format

Here is Write a Letter to your Grandparents in Email format:

Subject: Sending Love and Gratitude to My Grandparents

I hope this email finds you both in good health and high spirits. I have been thinking of you both a lot lately and wanted to take the time to write this letter and express my love and gratitude towards you.

I want to thank you for all the amazing memories you have given me throughout my life. From baking cookies together in your kitchen to the summer vacations we spent at your house, these moments are forever cherished in my heart. Your unconditional love and support have been a constant source of strength for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have grandparents like you.

I hope you are staying safe and healthy amidst the ongoing pandemic. Please do take care of yourselves and stay strong. I cannot wait to visit you both once the situation gets better.

With all my love and warm regards,

Write a Letter to your Grandparents for their anniversary

This is Write a Letter to your Grandparents for their anniversary:

I hope this letter finds you both in good health and high spirits. Today marks a special occasion – your anniversary, a celebration of the love and commitment you’ve shared throughout the years. As you commemorate this milestone, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes.

Your love story is an inspiration to us all. Over the years, you’ve shown us what it means to love unconditionally, to support one another through thick and thin, and to cherish each other’s company with unwavering devotion. Your marriage is a testament to the enduring power of love, and I feel incredibly blessed to witness the depth of your bond.

Grandma, your warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit have always been a source of comfort and joy for our family. Grandpa, your strength, wisdom, and unwavering dedication have been a guiding light for us all. Together, you complement each other perfectly, creating a partnership built on love, trust, and mutual respect.

As you celebrate another year of marriage, I want to thank you for the love and support you’ve given me throughout my life. Your example has shaped my understanding of what it means to be in a loving and committed relationship, and I am grateful for the lessons you’ve taught me.

May this anniversary be a joyous occasion filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. May you continue to walk hand in hand, facing life’s challenges together with courage and grace. And may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing year, inspiring us all to love more deeply and live more fully.

Congratulations, Grandma and Grandpa, on your anniversary. Here’s to many more years of happiness, love, and togetherness.

With all my love and warmest wishes,

Feel free to personalize the letter further with specific memories, experiences, and sentiments that reflect your relationship with your grandparents and their anniversary.

Write A Letter To Your Grandparents For Their Anniversary

Write a Letter to your Grandparents for their birthday

Here is a Write a Letter to your Grandparents for their birthday:

I hope this letter finds you both in good health and high spirits. Today is a day of celebration – your birthday, a time to honor the remarkable individuals you are and the countless ways you’ve touched our lives with your love and wisdom. As you mark this special occasion, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt wishes and gratitude.

Grandma, from your warm hugs to your delicious homemade meals, your love and kindness have always been a source of comfort and joy for our family. Your gentle spirit and unwavering support have touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know you, and I feel incredibly blessed to call you my grandmother.

Grandpa, your strength, wisdom, and quiet determination inspire us all. Whether it’s your endless stories, your words of advice, or your unwavering belief in our abilities, your presence in our lives is a constant source of encouragement and guidance. You are a pillar of strength and a shining example of integrity, and I am grateful for every moment I’ve had the privilege to spend with you.

As you celebrate another year of life, I want to thank you for the love, wisdom, and support you’ve given me throughout my life. Your example has shaped my understanding of what it means to live with purpose, to love unconditionally, and to embrace each day with gratitude and joy.

May this birthday be a joyous occasion filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. May you be surrounded by the warmth of family and friends who love you dearly. And may the year ahead be filled with blessings, happiness, and all the things that bring you joy.

Happy birthday, Grandma and Grandpa. Here’s to many more years of love, laughter, and wonderful memories together.

Feel free to personalize the letter further with specific memories, experiences, and sentiments that reflect your relationship with your grandparents and their birthday.

Write a Letter to your Grandparents for their Birthday

FAQS for Know How to Write a Letter to your Grandparents – 15+ Examples

What should i include in write a letter to your grandparents.

Write a Letter to your Grandparents Include expressions of love and gratitude, memories you cherish, updates on your life, and well wishes for their health and happiness.

How do I address Write a Letter to your Grandparents?

Write a Letter to your Grandparents You can address your grandparents as “Dear Grandma and Grandpa” or use their first names if that is your family’s custom.

Should I handwrite or type the letter to my grandparents?

Handwritten letters can add a personal touch and show effort, but typed letters are also acceptable, especially if your handwriting is difficult to read.

How do I start Write a Letter to your Grandparents?

Write a Letter to your Grandparents Begin with a warm greeting, such as “Dear Grandma and Grandpa,” followed by an expression of affection, like “I hope this letter finds you both well.”

What tone should I use in Write a Letter to your Grandparents?

Write a Letter to your Grandparents Use a warm, respectful, and affectionate tone in your letter, reflecting the close relationship you share with your grandparents.

Is it okay to share personal stories or memories in Write a Letter to your Grandparents?

Yes, Write a Letter to your Grandparents sharing personal stories or memories can make your letter more meaningful and help strengthen the bond between you and your grandparents.

How long should Write a Letter to your Grandparents?

The length of Write a Letter to your Grandparents depends on the content and your personal style. It can be as short as a few paragraphs or longer if you have a lot to share. The most important thing is to convey your love and appreciation sincerely.

Write a Letter to your Grandparents is a beautiful way to show them how much you care and appreciate them. It can be a way to connect with them emotionally and express your love and gratitude towards them.

Related Posts

17+ Templates of Letter Writing to Uncle for Birthday Gift

26+ Birthday Leave Letter – Check Templates, Phrases, Email Example

26+ Baby’s First Hair Removal Ceremony Leave Letter – Templates

25+ How to Write a Letter to Father – Check Format & Examples

20+ Best Father Letter Writing Examples with Format

11+ Leave Letter for Grandfather Sick – Check Writing Tips, Templates

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

• Craft Index

Until We Meet Again, Grandma - I Love You | A Farewell Letter to My Grandmother

Jan 4, 2017 | Updated Mar 20, 2024 | By Laura | This post may contain affiliate links | 11 Comments

A note to you, heartbroken one:

It's likely you found this post because you've lost your grandmother too. If that's true, I am so sorry for your loss. If you are looking for comfort in your grief, the book Appointments With Heaven is by far the most comforting book regarding death and the veil between Earth and Heaven that I have ever read. If you are suffering, I believe this book can bring you comfort and help ease your pain as you cope with the death of a loved one. My prayers are with you. xoxo, Laura

A few days after Christmas, my beloved grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long struggle with a lung disease.

Her beautiful obituary can be found here.

She was 88 years old and my last living grandparent. Her death wasn't a shock to us; we knew it was coming. And in many ways, it was welcomed after she endured so much suffering for so long.

And yet, it hurts.

My heart is raw.

Life as I know it is permanently different now that she is gone.

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017

Dear Grandma Pettit,

I know I said the same thing when I wrote a letter to Grandpa after he died, but the truth remains.

I can’t believe you are gone.

It’s been three and a half years since Grandpa passed away, and I still don’t think it has truly sunk in that he is gone. And now you too…

Will it ever feel real to live in a world without you and Grandpa in it?

Finally though, you can breathe easy again. Finally, Grandma, you can breathe without struggle. Finally, you are reunited with Grandpa. Finally, you are home.

I find it remarkable that despite all of the physical struggles these last few years held for you, you still weren’t quite ready to go. Despite having to struggle to breathe, as if you were breathing through a coffee straw, you were content to be here just a little longer.

Erica put it best when she said, “She’s on the verge of going to Heaven. If she wants to stay here with us a little longer, that just shows how much she loves us.”

You loved us all deeply, and we felt it. I hope you were able to feel our love pouring right back at you. Because we love you so much. Then, now, and forever.

Thank you, Grandma, for demonstrating how to handle motherhood with grace and ease. You had 3 babies in less than 2 years, as well as two more within the next few years. And you exuded a level-headed competence and grace that amazes me to this day. As I look at my journey into motherhood with Raleigh, I am even more in awe of how you not only managed but thrived in your role as a mother.

Thank you for highlighting the vow of marriage. You and Grandpa shared 58 years of marriage together, and it was an honor to witness both your love and friendship with each other. It helped ease the sadness of your death to know that Grandpa was waiting for you on the other side.

Thank you for modeling for all of us what it meant to be a fearless maverick. You left your small town and headed to the big city to go to the U of M in an era when many women didn’t go to college. You led your sorority, and later traveled around Europe with a happy, adventurous spirit that was with you until the very end. You were brave and courageous, smart and funny.

I am going to miss everything about you, Grandma.

I am going to miss your text messages. Most 88 year olds don’t text but you did and loved it. I am going to miss sending you pictures of Raleigh, especially now that he is getting into more mischief every day.

I am going to miss our conversations. How we could cover such a broad range of topics in a single conversation is beyond me.

I am going to miss watching Remy race into your apartment and jump on your lap, licking you all over. You were so patient with the little fur ball. I am also going to miss watching you with Raleigh. Each photo and video that I have of you two together is an immeasurable treasure to me. You were the very best Great Nana there is.

Most of all, I am going to miss hearing your voice and seeing your face.

But like I wrote in my letter to Grandpa, I know this is not the end. You are now free, and at peace. You aren’t bound by the confines of your failing lungs anymore, and you are free to laugh, move, dance, and play in ways you haven’t been able to in years. You are now reunited with Grandpa and spending your days with the Lord. You are Home.

And I can’t wait to join you there.

Please send some comfort and love down to us, especially during these next few weeks, Grandma.

You are so very loved and deeply missed.

Give Grandpa Pettit, and Grandma and Grandpa Hensel a hug from me. Tell them I miss them too.

I love you, Grandma.

Until we meet again,

P.S. Here is a letter I wrote to my grandpa on the one-year anniversary of his death too.

About Laura

Laura Radniecki is a crafter, writer, and photographer from small-town Minnesota. A lifelong maker, she shares easy step-by-step craft tutorials. She's a wife to her high school sweetheart, mama to their young son and daughter, dog mama to their 7 lb toy poodle who thinks she's human, and a part-time RV snowbird in Florida.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Claudia Lamberts

September 27, 2023 at 2:16 pm

You had such a lovely grandma. My grandma passed yesterday, and I still wasn't sure how to put what I feel into words. But reading this helped me realize how I feel. I send my condolences.

September 29, 2023 at 12:15 pm

Thank you, Claudia. I am so sorry to hear of your Grandma's passing. My prayers are with you as you navigate this new world.

October 26, 2019 at 5:08 am

Hi, Laura! It's been 2 years now since my grandma died. I miss her everyday, so much. My heart is still broken. My grandma is my everything, I love her so much.. Cant accept that she's already gone.. It feels like l'm going crazy .. I cry every single night. My life changed.

November 01, 2019 at 6:41 am

I am so sorry to hear about your grandma's passing, and your broken heart. I don't think it really matters how much time has passed... sometimes it still feels like it was just yesterday. My grandma has been gone almost 3 years and I too feel like it was just yesterday and can't believe she's really not here.

I will be praying for you, especially as the holidays approach. I'm so sorry you are hurting and I hope you feel peace wrap you up tight. I often find comfort in knowing I can still talk to her and I like to think she absolutely hears me.

xoxo, Laura

January 17, 2018 at 8:50 am

Hi, I just lost my 87year old grandma this morning, my last living grandparent. It is a relief because she was suffering from a fall that left her with a broken pelvis but i'm still sad to know she's gone. She was no longer talking or doing anything she was lost in her own world. She was a good lady , she was special to my eyes and will always miss her.

Laura Radniecki

January 21, 2018 at 10:00 pm

Oh Nadine, my heart breaks for you. I am so sorry to hear about your grandma's passing. I know your thoughts exactly; it's a relief her suffering is over, but you're left with a gap you have to try to fill now. I have no words to make it better, just prayers for you and your family. Maybe your grandma and my grandma will say hey to each other in Heaven. 🙂 God bless you. xo, Laura

January 05, 2017 at 6:55 pm

Love your family so much.. xxx praying for all of you.

January 05, 2017 at 8:54 pm

Thank you, Julie! You are a special part of our family too. We appreciate your prayers!

• Legacy Projects

How to Write a Letter to Future Grandchildren + Samples

Updated 09/13/2022

Published 04/1/2020

Kate Wight, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Grandparents and their grandchildren have a special bond. That connection can begin before the grandchild is even born. Go on YouTube and you can find thousands of videos of people weeping with joy over finding out about their impending grandparenthood. 

Jump ahead to these sections:

7 steps for writing a keepsake letter to your grandchildren, sample letters to your grandchildren.

If you’re one of these prospective grandparents, you may already be bursting with things you want to share with your future grandchild. You don’t have to wait until they’re old enough to begin talking to them, though. 

You can begin crafting letters to them while they’re still in utero. These letters can become a kind of family heirloom to be passed down and preserved over the generations. Here are some tips on how to get started writing letters to your impending bundle of joy. 

You may find you’re overflowing with ideas about what to share with your future grandchildren. Where do you begin? First, remember that you don’t have to put everything in one letter. You can break your stories down into a series of letters.

Follow these steps for inspiration on how to begin crafting letters to your future grandchildren. 

Step 1: Talk about who you are

One of the most important things to convey in your letters is who you are as a person. You want your grandchild to know you.

While they will hopefully know you as a person as they grow throughout life, it will give them valuable insight to know who you are now. They’ll be interested to hear about your life in the months and years before you were born. 

Step 2: Tell them how excited you are to meet them

Kids want to know that they have a place in the world. They want to know they are loved and wanted. Unfortunately, as kids age, they may clash with their parents. This is a natural part of growing up. Teens test boundaries, and that can put them at odds with their parents. 

In these difficult times, it’s helpful for them to have proof they’ve been loved since before they were born. When they reread your letters, they’ll have evidence that you and their parents were so excited for them to be born.

You can then reinforce that emotion by telling them you’re so happy they’re in your life. 

Step 3: Talk about your child (your grandchild’s parent)

Kids often have a hard time listening to their parents. Parents often have a hard time talking to their kids, too. Kids and teens don’t always understand that their parents have lived through the same experiences their kids are dealing with. And parents sometimes don’t want to be transparent about all the mistakes they made in their own lives. 

You’re in a unique position to share stories about your grandchildren’s parents as children. You don’t have to spill the beans on things your kids wouldn’t want to be shared. But you can share certain fun stories that humanize your kid to your grandchildren.

Write a letter to be shared when your grandchild is having relationship troubles. Share the story of the time their mom met a cute guy—only it was at a family reunion , and it turned out he was her cousin. Awkward!

Step 4: Share memories from your parenting relationship

If your grandkids are having a tough time with their parents, they may be interested in conflicts you had with your kids.

A lot of times family members can unwittingly repeat patterns from their childhood. Be transparent about your relationship with your grandchild’s parents, the good and the bad. They may find the keys there to unlock a solution to their own parental disputes. 

Step 5: Share your hopes and dreams for their future

You don’t want to put too much pressure on your grandkids. Don’t put too much emphasis on what you hope they’ll look like, or how smart you think they’ll be. But you can share your general hopes and dreams for them. 

You can hope that they find a creative outlet that fulfills them. You can hope that they are a kind person. You can wish that they’ll have access to more things than you weren’t able to provide for your own child. It will make them feel good that you were excited about their birth, and that you wished positive things for their life in general. 

Step 6: Talk about other family members they may not know

It’s important to share stories about yourself with your grandchildren. But you can also share stories about other family members they never got to meet.

Talk about your own parents and grandparents. Discuss what it was like growing up with your siblings in a wildly different era. Delve into your family’s heritage. This will help paint a much richer picture of your grandkids’ lives as well as your own. 

Step 7: Invite them to talk to you and ask questions about anything and everything

As kids get older and become interested in their family history, they may have a list of questions to ask their grandparents . Make sure you let them know they can always ask.

If they need help with a school project or they’re simply curious, be on hand to answer their queries. Not only will they appreciate it, but it will also likely strengthen your relationship. 

Now that we’ve broken down the steps to writing letters to your grandchildren, you should be ready to begin! Still unsure how to start? Check out these example letters for inspiration: 

Dear Future Grandchild,

Today your mom—my daughter—told me that she is going to be a mom as well. I know you haven’t even been born yet, but I’ve been thinking about you all day. I wonder who you’ll turn out to be? Will you be a boy or a girl?

Will you inherit your dad’s love for academics or your mother’s affinity for sports? Will you share my love for singing? If so, I hope you have a better singing voice than I do! No matter what skills or talents or interests you possess, I know you will be an incredibly special human being. After all, you come from a long line of interesting weirdos.

I can’t wait to see how you end up leaving your mark on the world.

Your Future Grandma

Dear Robert,

You still haven’t been born yet, but you already have a name! I’ll admit, I teared up a little when I heard what it would be. You see my late husband—your grandfather—was named Robert. He was an amazing father to my kids, and I know he would have been the best grandfather on the planet. Sadly, he passed away two years ago.

But even though he’s no longer with us, I know he’ll be your guardian angel. He’ll always look after you, his first grandchild. And though you won’t get to meet him here on Earth, I will make sure you know all about the kind of man he was. 

I can’t believe you’re already turning 16! How the time flies by. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was taking your mom to get her driver’s license. Don’t tell her I said this, but you are already a much better driver than she is now. She has always been very easily distracted. You have a lot of focus and you take things seriously. I know sometimes that makes things challenging for you, but they are important qualities to have.

I don’t want to be a wet blanket, but I will say this: please, please, be careful when you drive. I know you’re a responsible young man, but not everyone out there will be as diligent as you are. You have to be extra careful to compensate for the carelessness of other drivers. Don’t worry about the radio station. Keep your eyes on the road. You’re a very special human, like I always knew you would be. Take care of yourself, for me.

I hope this letter finds you well. I know today is one of the happiest of your life. I just wish I was there to see it. I’ve been so fortunate to get to watch you grow up. I was there when you learned how to walk. I was there when you fell off your bike and broke your collarbone. I was there when you got your first tattoo. I was there when you graduated from college. I wish I was there with you today to watch you get married to the person of your dreams. Unfortunately, I know I don’t have much longer.

I just want to tell you that I have loved you since before you were born. And I will continue loving you long after I take my last breath. Love isn’t the kind of thing that can be contained by these shells we call bodies. The love I have for you will always endure. And I will always be so, so proud that I got to be your grandma.

How to Share Letters to Your Grandchildren

What do you do once you've written these letters to your future grandchildren? How do you ensure they actually read them? Here are a few ideas:

• Will:  One option is to include these letters in your will. You can create a quick and easy will online in minutes with Trust & Will , or you can work with a traditional attorney.
• Trusted loved one:  You can also give your letters to a trusted friend or family member for safekeeping. Task them with sharing these with your future grandchildren. 
• Save yourself:  If you feel confident saving your letters yourself somewhere safe, this is also an option. 
• Funeral:  It's also common to gift these letters at your funeral. Of course, you'd need to give them to someone you trust or include them in your will. These are perfect for sharing at a virtual funeral with GatheringUs or at an in-person memorial. 

Why Write Letters to Your Future Grandchildren?

As much as we want to think we’ll always be there for our children and grandchildren, sometimes that’s not the case. If you worry you won’t be there for all the milestones in your grandchild’s life, you can still make your presence known. Leaving letters for them can be a way of staying in their lives no matter what. 

Even if you are still around, our memories can start to fade over the years. Commit memories you want to share to paper now while they are fresh in your mind. This will keep family stories from being lost over the years. Your letters can serve as a kind of memory jar . 

No matter your reason, taking the time to write letters to your future grandchildren is an incredible way to preserve your special and unique family history. 

Looking for more ways to connect with your grandkids? Read our guides on questions to ask kids and things to do with your grandkids .

Categories:

You may also like.

How to Write a Legacy Letter From the Heart: Step-By-Step

How to Write a Gratitude Letter + Examples

How to Write a Thank You Letter to Your Mentor: 6 Steps

7 Sample Letters to Deceased Loved Ones

• Middle School
• High School
• College & Admissions
• Social Life
• Health & Sexuality
• Stuff We Love

• Meet the Team
• Our Advisory Board
• In the News
• Write for Your Teen
• Campus Visits
• Teen College Life
• Paying for College
• Teen Dating
• Teens and Friends
• Mental Health
• Drugs & Alcohol
• Physical Health
• Teen Sexuality
• Communication
• Celebrity Interviews

Letter to a Grandson — My Hopes and Dreams for You

Dear Porter,

I want to pass along some things I’ve learned about life — what I know and hope for you. I’m sorry if this sounds bossy, but I’m trying to get it all on the page. (And I am bossy. 😊)

• Measure your own worth. Your worth is measured by you, not by others.
• Get comfortable with yourself. You will still be Porter when you’re 80.
• Like yourself. Let others like you! You are unique.
• Name your values and filter your thoughts and actions through them.
• Be Prepared. The Boy Scout motto is still relevant today.
• Get prepared by learning and by participating.
• Ask for help and give help. We’re all in it together.
• Let loose from shore. Set sail! Curiosity, faith, and discovery are the winds for your life’s voyage.
• Seek opportunity. It isn’t about luck, it’s about awareness and preparedness.
• Excel at life’s ordinary duties. Then you’ll be trusted with the extra-ordinary.
• Choose to participate. Choose to leave skin in the game versus a free ride. Skin heals!
• Every choice is a building block, like a LEGO brick. I wish that I were going to be around to see the house you eventually build!
• Work, with others and for others. Life is not all about you.
• Focus and finish. Your attention belongs to you. It is the secret sauce to your success!
• Plan slowly. Practice. Perform quickly.
• Be patient. Patience is a form of action and requires timing and practice.
• Plan to be unsuccessful too. That is how you gain success.
• Paint outside the lines. You’ll never regret the thrill.
• Listening is imperative to learning — and it’s a sign of respect.
• Learn like there’s a race to be won. Remember: Garbage in — garbage out.
• Lead with truth, justice, and humanity.
• Love your neighbor. Look into their eyes and see them.
• Love to laugh. To laugh, love.
• Be thrifty. Saving a dollar will always be easier than earning one.
• Forgive and never shame yourself — or others.
• Find the good in others. Never judge.
• Take it for granted that you are blessed with good looks, prosperity, and privilege. But do not take it with pride and vanity. These qualities are not measurements of your worth.
• When you experience fear or dread, stop and identify the reason in order to know yourself better. Next, experience your failure in your imagination in order to prepare yourself for the worst and to learn to be fearless.
• Participate fully in the communities that need you: faith, work, school, civic, and family. Life’s treasures come from engaging with others.
• Rest. Imagine. Be mindless. Be mindful.
• Pray for others, especially when you are upset, scared, or sad. Your prayer will lift their souls and yours at the same time.
• Seek truth, beauty and goodness. Pray for peace, love and understanding for all.
• Once you “get it”, share it. Give it away, give it away, give it away now.

You are blessed and I love you,

Steve Wilsey lives in Oklahoma City. He’s a retired CPA, father of four, grandfather of eight, a school board member for 14 years and a Vietnam Marine veteran. He wrote this essay for his grandson Porter’s 8 th grade retreat.

Essay on A Visit to My Grandmother’s House

Every summer vacation, my parents and I go to visit my grandmother. This time too we went to stay with her for a week.

My grandmother stays in a small town near Berlin.

Her house is very beautiful and it is located in the middle of the town. The house has four bedrooms and a huge kitchen. This time when we went to meet her, I found her lovely garden full of beautiful flowers.

She was very happy to see us. We stayed with her for a week, and each day she cooked something special for us. She also baked my favorite chocolate cookies.

The weather there was very pleasant. So one day we all went for a picnic to the lakeside.

At night I slept in my grandmother’s room, and she told me lovely stories. She not only showed me my father’s pictures when he was young but also narrated many funny incidents about my father and his friends.

She gifted me two pullovers which she had knitted herself.

I always feel happy to be with her. I wish I could stay with her for a little longer. I left her house with a heavy heart. She too felt sad about us going back. We promised to visit her soon.

More Educational Resources

Explore similar educational resources that improve a variety of skills and cultivate a love for learning.

My Hidden Island

If I were a bird

Street Fight

If I were the principle of My School

Letter to My Grandma

Dear Grandma,

How are you doing? I hope you are fine, as I am. As you know, I am a student and I have come across various terms in my IT and business classes. It is a pleasure for me to pass the knowledge I have gathered to you, my lovely grandma.

One of the most important terms I have learned is a database that simply refers to a well-organized set of data in a company. In a business scenario, we could take an example of the availability of rooms in the hotel organized in a manner that supports the hotel’s processes. Dear grandma, a distributed database refers to a database whose storage devices are not attached to a common processing unit, such as the central processing unit (CPU). An example of the business use of a distributed database is the physical location of different technological items across departments to enhance integrity and accountability.

I’m new here 15% OFF

More so, data mining is the process that involves computations with the aim of establishing patterns in large sets of data entailing methods at the intersection of statistics, machine learning and database systems. It is commonly utilized in businesses to simplify complicated data into simpler terms that can be understood by everyone. Objected oriented database refers to a database management system, where information is brought out to inform of objects. For example in business, it is commonly utilized to develop products, store them, and modify them when necessary. This is emphasized by its capacity to represent them as objects.

Lastly, grandma, there is Online analytical processing (OLAP). This is a technique for responding to multi-dimensional analytical (MDA) questions faster. Its business use commonly relates to business intelligence that accommodates matters such as report writing. It is used in reporting business sales, budgeting and forecasting, and management reporting.

I believe that you have gained some knowledge on these issues and I am proud of you, grandma.

• Annotated Bibliography
• Art, Literature
• Article Critique/Review
• Blog Post/Article
• Book Review
• Business and Economics
• Capstone Project
• Classification Essay
• Compare and Contrast Essay
• Definition Essay
• Discussion Board Post
• Dissertation
• Grant Proposal
• History and Politics
• Interesting Facts
• Literature Review
• Motivation Letter
• Movie Review
• Poem Review
• Reflective Essay
• Research Paper

Medication Paper on Duzallo

Reduction of Carbon Footprint

The Gender Differences in Risk-Taking

I worried my grandmother wouldn't accept my name change because I'm nonbinary. She showed me a side of her I never knew.

• As a queer, nonbinary person, I've had to come out to my grandmother several times. 
• Each time, I worried I would push her away and ruin our close relationship. 
• But she accepted me immediately, and it brought us closer together.

I have a lot of experience coming out to my grandmother.

I first told her I was queer in 2016 on a break from college. We were having lunch at our favorite diner on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. She asked me if I was dating anyone, and I told her I had a girlfriend.

"Just women?" she asked. "Or men, too?"

I told her I was only dating women for now.

"Well, sex with men isn't all that great," my grandmother said. "It's not like you'll be missing much."

I laughed, delighted, and continued answering her questions while finishing my BLT. It wasn't until later that evening in my childhood bedroom that I started to cry tears of relief.

I was afraid coming out to my grandmother would harm our relationship

Growing up, I had always gravitated towards my grandmother because I felt she understood me. Maybe it's because we were both writers — or because we both had anxiety — but we were often on the same wavelength. She called us kindred spirits.

I had never admitted it to myself, but I had been afraid that coming out as queer to her would harm our relationship . My grandma is open-minded but, like many people her age, can be slow to change.

Her immediate acceptance was a pleasant surprise. Still, I never fully let go of that fear. Every time I cut my hair or got a new tattoo I wondered, would this be the moment I would push her away?

After realizing I'm nonbinary, I came out to my grandmother a second time

Over the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized I identified as nonbinary . In 2020, I decided to change my name, pronouns, and come out to my immediate family. Processing this internal shift was no small feat. When lockdown ended, I felt like an entirely different person.

Throughout the pandemic, my grandmother and I spoke on the phone multiple times a week, and keeping this change from her had been hard. I decided I wanted to tell her over the phone because we couldn't meet in person yet.

Related stories

The next time she called, I explained my decision to come out as nonbinary. I told her my pronouns were now they and them and that I was changing my name to Kaden.

"So you want me to call you Cadence?" she asked.

"No, Grandma, Kaden, like Dad's middle name ."

"Kaden, alright," she paused. "Do you think I should change my name too? I don't want you to get all the attention."

I laughed. "You could! I'll help you think of a new one. But I also just want to make sure you're alright with all of this. I know it may be a little confusing."

"Confusing?" she said. "Maybe remembering your name will be hard. I can't tell you what I ate for breakfast, but you'll always be you, Cadence."

"Grandma," I laughed. "It's Kaden!"

"Right! Kaden."

My Grandma's past experiences helped her understand my experience

Over the next few years, I had conversations I never expected to have with my grandma. Once the lockdown was over, I was able to introduce her to other gay and trans friends of mine. I told her about my transition, and she told me about how she got married young and gave up her dream of being a writer to be a stay at home mom .

One day during a visit at her apartment, my grandma told me about her aunt who lived on the Lower East Side.

"You know," she said, "she didn't have children, she did what she wanted. I lived in Harlem at the time with my parents and every time I went down there it was a whole new world. I don't regret my life, I had wonderful children and I have you, but I was never able to live that freely. I had to give up a lot. I never want you to give anything up. I want you to live your life the way you want to live it. Can you promise me that?"

I told her I could.

Though I wish I realized it earlier, I'm grateful that my coming out experience helped me understand that my anxiety about growing apart from my grandmother wasn't based on her actions, but on my own internalized fears.

In truth, because she grew up in the 40s and 50s, my grandma had an innate understanding of how conforming to societal expectations can be limiting. My grandma's age — which I first thought would hinder her ability to accept me — allowed her to understand my journey in a way that others couldn't.

She still calls me Cadence, though.

Watch: Why one mother fled Texas to keep her child safe

• Main content

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

An NPR editor who wrote a critical essay on the company has resigned after being suspended

FILE - The headquarters for National Public Radio (NPR) stands on North Capitol Street on April 15, 2013, in Washington. A National Public Radio editor who wrote an essay criticizing his employer for promoting liberal reviews resigned on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, a day after it was revealed that he had been suspended. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

• Copy Link copied

NEW YORK (AP) — A National Public Radio editor who wrote an essay criticizing his employer for promoting liberal views resigned on Wednesday, attacking NPR’s new CEO on the way out.

Uri Berliner, a senior editor on NPR’s business desk, posted his resignation letter on X, formerly Twitter, a day after it was revealed that he had been suspended for five days for violating company rules about outside work done without permission.

“I cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems” written about in his essay, Berliner said in his resignation letter.

Katherine Maher, a former tech executive appointed in January as NPR’s chief executive, has been criticized by conservative activists for social media messages that disparaged former President Donald Trump. The messages predated her hiring at NPR.

NPR’s public relations chief said the organization does not comment on individual personnel matters.

The suspension and subsequent resignation highlight the delicate balance that many U.S. news organizations and their editorial employees face. On one hand, as journalists striving to produce unbiased news, they’re not supposed to comment on contentious public issues; on the other, many journalists consider it their duty to critique their own organizations’ approaches to journalism when needed.

In his essay , written for the online Free Press site, Berliner said NPR is dominated by liberals and no longer has an open-minded spirit. He traced the change to coverage of Trump’s presidency.

“There’s an unspoken consensus about the stories we should pursue and how they should be framed,” he wrote. “It’s frictionless — one story after another about instances of supposed racism, transphobia, signs of the climate apocalypse, Israel doing something bad and the dire threat of Republican policies. It’s almost like an assembly line.”

He said he’d brought up his concerns internally and no changes had been made, making him “a visible wrong-thinker at a place I love.”

In the essay’s wake, NPR top editorial executive, Edith Chapin, said leadership strongly disagreed with Berliner’s assessment of the outlet’s journalism and the way it went about its work.

It’s not clear what Berliner was referring to when he talked about disparagement by Maher. In a lengthy memo to staff members last week, she wrote: “Asking a question about whether we’re living up to our mission should always be fair game: after all, journalism is nothing if not hard questions. Questioning whether our people are serving their mission with integrity, based on little more than the recognition of their identity, is profoundly disrespectful, hurtful and demeaning.”

Conservative activist Christopher Rufo revealed some of Maher’s past tweets after the essay was published. In one tweet, dated January 2018, Maher wrote that “Donald Trump is a racist.” A post just before the 2020 election pictured her in a Biden campaign hat.

In response, an NPR spokeswoman said Maher, years before she joined the radio network, was exercising her right to express herself. She is not involved in editorial decisions at NPR, the network said.

The issue is an example of what can happen when business executives, instead of journalists, are appointed to roles overseeing news organizations: they find themselves scrutinized for signs of bias in ways they hadn’t been before. Recently, NBC Universal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde has been criticized for service on paid corporate boards.

Maher is the former head of the Wikimedia Foundation. NPR’s own story about the 40-year-old executive’s appointment in January noted that she “has never worked directly in journalism or at a news organization.”

In his resignation letter, Berliner said that he did not support any efforts to strip NPR of public funding. “I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish for NPR to thrive and do important journalism,” he wrote.

David Bauder writes about media for The Associated Press. Follow him at http://twitter.com/dbauder

She was told her babies were dead. Instead they were sold abroad. What happened when she met them 40 years on?

Four families torn apart by Chile’s illegal adoption scandal finally found each other decades later. They describe the emotional moment they met – and how they pieced together the lives they had spent apart

F or Sara Melgarejo, the wait at Santiago airport was agonising. The 65-year-old had travelled about 30km north from San Bernardo, a working-class suburb of the Chilean capital, for the reunion. She walked the length of the building trying to calm her nerves, holding her breath for the arrival of the two children she had spent the last 40 years believing were dead. “My heart was racing and my body was trembling,” she says, “but I felt pure joy.”

Siblings Sean Ours, 40, and Emily Reid, 39, walked into arrivals together, having arrived on a flight from the US. Even though they had never met Sara in person, there was no question that she was their biological mother – they share the same eyes, the same infectious smile.

“When I saw her there waiting for us, all pretty in pink, I started crying. I just gave her the biggest hug because it was the first time that we were able to feel her, to tell her that we loved her,” Emily says.

“To be able to just hold her, and for all of us to hold each other together, was so surreal. It was a long time coming,” Sean says.

Their story is just one of tens of thousands relating to Chilean families torn apart by illegal adoption. Parents were typically told that their babies were lost or dead. In reality, they had been stolen and sold, facilitated by a network of social workers, faith officials and health and legal professionals across the country. Thousands of dollars were paid by American and European families for newborns they believed had been given up willingly. Mothers in Chile have recounted how hospital staff claimed their babies had died at birth and refused requests to see their bodies. Others were denied access to their babies, who were being looked after in children’s homes or public institutions, while some were coerced into giving them up for adoption.

Not long after sunrise on a hot day in Santiago, four of these broken families were meeting in person for the first time. Brought together by Connecting Roots, an NGO dedicated to redressing the damage caused by decades of forced and illegal adoption, the group included daughters, sons, siblings and parents nervously waiting to set eyes on each other. They would then travel to their Chilean home towns to get to know relatives and share stories and photographs from the lives they had led apart.

This dark chapter in Chilean history affected an estimated 20,000 children , who went on to grow up in families across the US and Europe. The practice reached its peak during Augusto Pinochet’s military dictatorship between 1973 and 1990, when the regime actively encouraged adoption as part of a strategy to eliminate poverty. Poor, young and Indigenous communities were targeted, and a climate of fear made it impossible for families to question or dispute the loss of their child.

The Chilean judiciary began to look into allegations of forced adoption in 2017, but no convictions have yet been made. As of April 2023, 645 cases of forced adoption that took place between 1965 and 1988 are being processed, while 209 have been concluded, according to the National Institute of Human Rights . While some individuals, including social workers , have been named as being actively involved in facilitating illegal adoptions abroad, the network was so extensive and the practice so longstanding that no one has been held accountable. Indeed, despite hundreds of accounts from mothers and children, the judge leading the investigation , Jaime Balmaceda, stated in March that so far he has “not been able to establish that a crime had taken place”.

Campaigners are frustrated at the government’s response. “So many voices have been silenced. We’re running out of time to get closure for everybody,” says Tyler Graf, who founded Connecting Roots to help reunite families after discovering that he had been stolen from his mother at birth. So far it has largely fallen to NGOs such as his, based in the US, and Chile-based organisations including Hijos y Madres del Silencio and Nos Buscamos, to lead the search for missing families. They work separately but have together helped facilitate at least 700 reunifications – a number that is steadily rising.

Volunteers at these NGOs use social media, DNA sites and official registers to search for information on potential relatives; often, the adoptees’ paperwork is found to be fake or in some way inconsistent. Hijos y Madres del Silencio is now using AI to build images of what the stolen children might look like.

In response to campaigners’ efforts, Chile’s minister of justice and human rights, Luis Cordero, announced in early March plans for a coordinated state response to help facilitate reunions, underscoring “the right of each person to know their origin”.

“It has been an emotional rollercoaster,” Emily says. “I am so angry and frustrated, thinking about how many people were deceived, and how our mother was treated – that we had to wait all these years for the opportunity to reunite with her. Now I’m finally able to say: ‘I have my mother’s eyes, I have her hair.’”

‘It never crossed my mind that something so evil could have happened ’

Emily, Sean and Sara

At Santiago airport (above), Sean and Emily meet their birth mother, Sara, for the first time since she was told they were dead. Main image: the family outside Sara’s home in Santiago

Emily and Sean were raised together in Alexandria, Virginia, by loving parents who explained to them from a young age that they were adopted. “We grew up with little souvenirs our adoptive parents had brought from Chile, so we’d have stuff to remember where we came from – I still have the little statue of a llama,” Sean says.

“But our parents were white, so we were often stared at because we look different from them. Growing up, I struggled to figure out who I was,” Emily adds.

What they did know was that they shared the same birth mother who, they understood, had given them up willingly as she was unable to look after them. “Our parents adopted me first, in 1983, then a year later the American agency told them: ‘We have your son’s sister now – would you like to adopt her as well?’” Sean says.

Their adoptive parents had signed up to an agency in Washington DC, and Telma Uribe, a Santiago-based social worker, helped facilitate the adoption. The couple paid more than $35,000 in fees. Decades later, it would emerge that Uribe had been involved in hundreds of illegal or irregular adoptions. In 2017 investigators found an archive in her house detailing more than 500 children who had been adopted abroad between 1950 and 2001.

‘There are no words for what happened to me,’ Sara says. Now the family are focusing on spending time together, sharing memories

It is hard for Sara, now 65, to recall what happened 40 years ago; what she does remember is clouded in pain. She was 25 when she gave birth to Sean in Santiago, and she already had two young children; many women who were already mothers believe they were targeted because those involved in the scheme thought losing another child wouldn’t affect them so much.

As Sara recovered in hospital after the birth, she was informed that the baby had been stillborn. She didn’t even have a chance to name him, to feel his skin. “They told me he was dead and made me sign a paper,” she says. “It was a death certificate – but it was fake.”

The next year, it happened again. Sara believes she was singled out by the same hospital staff and social workers. She gave birth to Emily, only to be told the baby had died. “There are no words for what happened to me.”

“She was never able to hold us,” Sean says. “She signed paperwork she thought was a death certificate, but it was an agreement to release us from her custody.”

“In my mind, they were dead,” Sara says. “After that, I didn’t want to know anything else. I wanted those experiences to fade away.” She dedicated her life to working with children as a nanny. “It never crossed my mind that something so evil could have happened.”

Sara was told about her two children by Connecting Roots six months ago, but she is still in shock, processing complex feelings: anger at what happened; happiness that her children are once again in her life. For now, she is focusing on spending time together. She is finally able to cook for them, her way of showing love. “We made humitas together. I was teaching them how to blend the sweetcorn and wrap the mix in the leaves. To see them has brought me so much joy.” Tears falling, she adds, “There are no words to describe losing a child, then getting them back. The most important thing now is that I have them close. My babies came back to me.”

‘I’ve been waiting for this for so long’

María, Romina and their mother

‘I felt relief to feel my mum hug me’: Maria with her birth mother

Maria reuniting with her mother at Santiago airport (top) and holding a photograph of herself as a baby (above)

María Hastings can hear her mother cooking in the kitchen, and her sister and niece pottering in the next room. She smiles. This seemingly ordinary scene is full of meaning for the 37-year-old.

María discovered the identity of her biological family in December 2022. She grew up in Tampa, Florida, and knew from an early age that she had been adopted from Chile. “I had no interest in finding my biological mum. I thought I had been given up willingly, so I was OK with that. I grew up with two loving parents and two sisters, and I was happy with what I was given in life,” she says. “All I knew was that I was from Santiago. I was told I’d been born to a single mother who was living in poverty and unable to take care of me. I never thought I’d be able to look for her – I thought it would be too difficult.”

It was only when she read a magazine article in November 2022 about Chilean twins who were adopted in the US, but whose adoption turned out to be illegal, that she began to think about her own story. “I just got a feeling that I should reach out to Connecting Roots,” she says. “A week later I heard back from them and we started this journey of unravelling my real story.” María’s adoption papers named the social worker Ruth Chia Barrios , who has since been linked to more than 100 illegitimate adoptions from Chile to Denmark.

María’s story begins in the vast Chilean countryside, layered with hills and volcanoes, close to the southern city of Temuco. Her mother, who doesn’t want to share her name publicly, is from Chile’s Indigenous Mapuche community. “My mum couldn’t read or write, and we grew up speaking Mapudungun,” says Romina Ramín, María’s biological sister, who is three years older.

Their mother worked in the home of a wealthy family in Santiago during the 80s, when she was in her mid-20s. “They exploited her – they only gave her permission to come home once a year,” says Romina, who was cared for by her grandmother in the south. “When her employers found out she was pregnant, they threw her out.” She was forced to live on the streets. “She went to a square to sleep, and to cry, because she had nowhere else to go.”

Romina, María’s sister (with her, top and above), says their mother never gave up hope of finding her again

Their mother sought help at a shelter run by nuns, who offered to feed and house her until her baby was born. Once she gave birth, another children’s home run by nuns said the baby could stay there while she went in search of work. “But when she got back, they said her daughter wasn’t there. They told her, aggressively, that because she’s poor she couldn’t have her daughter, and she should not come back because they had taken her daughter to France. She was scared of them. It was the middle of the dictatorship; she had no resources, she was poor,” Romina says. “So my mother lived with that pain. She always looked like a woman full of sadness that she kept to herself. My mother has since told me she still lived with the hope of seeing María again.”

When mother and daughter embraced for the first time in February, “it was like a weight was lifted that I didn’t know was there,” María says. “I felt relief to feel my mum hug me. She whispered in my ear, ‘I’m so glad you’re finally here. I’ve been waiting for this for so long. I can’t believe it. Oh my gosh, I love you.’” At that moment, Romina says, “Her pain vanished. She looked at me and said, ‘I feel full, daughter. Now I can die in peace.’”

Romina describes meeting her sister as like a dream. “I ran to her and when she hugged me, I felt as if she was also hugging herself – that girl who was taken away.”

The family has started the long process of healing and learning about one another. They don’t yet speak the same language, but believe their familial connection transcends any barriers. “I want to learn all about them, their personalities, likes and dislikes. There’s a little spark when my mother will make a joke or do a funny dance, or give me a hug and say, ‘I love you, my daughter,’” María says. “She just seems really happy.”

‘Growing up, something felt like it was always missing ’

Peter, Jorge and Mariza

Peter holds a photograph of himself as a baby

‘We can’t dwell on the past: we’ve got to start healing and grow from this,’ says Peter of being separated from his birth mother, Mariza

One of Jorge Leyton Mancilla’s earliest memories is of his younger brother. “I have a blurry image of going to a hospital after he was born. There was an old iron bed where my mum was with a baby, and I saw his face. I remember because he had a similar face to my other brother. He was dark and squinty, wearing a light blue hat.” That would be the last time he would see his brother for more than 40 years.

Two months after Mariza Mancilla gave birth to her son in August 1981, she came down with pneumonia. She was hospitalised in her home town of Ancud, on Chiloé Island in southern Chile. At the time, she was living alone – because of the dictatorship, her husband, a communist, had fled to Punta Arenas, the country’s southernmost city.

While in hospital, Mariza was told that her son had also contracted pneumonia and had been taken away for treatment. “One day she woke up and was told, ‘Your baby died,’” says Jorge, now 45. “She was told her baby’s body was being taken for scientific research, and that was that. There was no option to demand an investigation because she was living under a dictatorship.”

Growing up, Jorge says his mother never spoke of their younger brother again. She would keep this sadness to herself for the next four decades. It was only last year that she and her family learned the truth: the baby had been taken by hospital staff, whose identities are unknown, moved through a network of officials and sold for international adoption at just 11 months old.

“They said that I had been poisoned by her breast milk because she had pneumonia when she breastfed me,” says Peter Smiloff, now 42, whom his mother had named Luis. Mariza had never doubted the circumstances of her son’s disappearance. To find out that he was actually alive was a complete shock, and she struggles to talk about it. For most of his life, neither Peter nor his adoptive parents suspected that his adoption might not have been legitimate. “My parents were always very supportive of me,” he says. And as far as he was aware, his birth mother had given him up voluntarily.

Peter grew up in New York in a very multicultural community. “I always knew there would come a time in my life when I wanted to know my birth origins. I was getting older and I was concerned about my health, and I wasn’t aware of my medical history because I didn’t know anything about my family. It was time to know more about myself, where I came from.”

The little information Peter did have included the fact that his parents in New York had adopted him through an agency called Today’s Adoption. “I discovered the agency was dissolved back in the 90s, shut down by New York state. There were two specific names on my adoption papers who were linked to all these cases [of forced adoption] in the 80s and 90s,” he says. “When Connecting Roots confirmed that mine had been an illegal adoption, it was hard to deal with. It felt like this hole in my life kept getting bigger. I was getting further from the truth.”

Peter with Mariza (above left) and the pair with Jorge, the brother Peter hadn’t seen for 42 years (above right)

Eight months later, Peter received a call telling him that his mother had been found. “It hurt,” he says. “But I came to the conclusion that what happened then is a tragedy, it’s horrible, but we can’t really dwell on the past: we’ve got to start healing and grow from this. We have to concentrate on the now and make that bond.”

As Mariza ran towards Peter at Santiago airport, she was lost in his arms. “I just felt like I held on to her for ever,” he says. “The hug she gave was a motherly hug. I felt for the first time complete, and it was also the beginning of her feeling complete, too.”

For Jorge, “It’s like my brother has been born again.” Jorge and his mother had been estranged in recent years, and a particular joy for Peter is seeing the pair reconnect: “It’s like she got both sons back.”

They are enjoying spending time together, against the backdrop of southern Chile’s lakes and mountains, as a family. Peter has been learning about the town he would have grown up in, and visiting the graves of his biological father and his older brother Alvaro, who died in his 20s, the one he so closely resembled as a baby.

“I notice my mother and I have similar features, too. We have the same smile and cheekbone structure,” he says, smiling. Their familial connections go beyond the physical: “We have the same anxieties. She’s battled with depression; I’ve battled with depression. When she cries, I see that we cry in the same way.

“Growing up, I could never explain it, but something felt like it was always missing. When I went down to Chile and met her and my family, that void was filled.” Similarly, Mariza feels she lived with a lingering pain throughout her life and could never explain its cause. Now she knows the truth.

‘My family never gave up hope’

Ben, Wladimir and Luis

Ben hugs his birth family on arriving at Santiago airport

In late summer 1989, María Margarita Vera’s eight-month-old baby, Gustavo, was taken for a checkup in the children’s hospital in Chillán, central Chile. The family was made to leave him overnight, and upon returning the next day, they were told he wasn’t there, that he had been moved to a different clinic, with little explanation. His 29-year-old mother, who had few economic resources and was barely able to read, was told by officials to sign some papers, then sent home. The hospital eventually claimed the baby was lost.

“Because of her suffering she started to take refuge in alcohol,” says her elder child, Wladimir Figueroa, now 38. “I think the most painful thing for her was that she knew nothing about him – even though she had breastfed him and brought him into this world.”

Gustavo was brought up as Ben Fruchter by adoptive parents in the US. Now 35, he discovered his biological family last year. “The day I found out, it took the wind out of me. I was hounded by ‘what if’ questions, wondering what my life would have been and whether, if I’d known or tried to reach out sooner, my mother would still be around.”

Back in Chile, Gustavo had been known as the lost boy, the brother who one day tragically disappeared. But Ben had no inkling he had a whole family searching for him. “They never gave up hope,” he says.

After their mother died in 2000, Ben’s seven siblings kept searching for him. All they had was his birth name, Gustavo Alfonso Figueroa Vera. When Facebook arrived in Chile in about 2006, they would search for his name every few days, until in July last year Wladimir heard out of the blue from Connecting Roots. “It was the most beautiful thing that has happened to me,” he says.

Meanwhile, Ben was “still grasping the fact that I had been taken as a child. But just knowing a whole family out there, that I’d never met or spent time with, hadn’t given up on me … ” He pauses, lost for words.

Ben holding the ID card of his birth mother, who died in 2000 (top left); with his biological father, Luis (top right); and with his adoptive father, David (above, front left), meeting the family he hadn’t known existed, including brother Wladimir (second left)

When Wladimir made the five-hour drive from the family’s home town of Chillán to Santiago airport in February to greet his brother for the first time, he was full of nervous energy. The journey was “torturous: the faster we went, it seemed we weren’t getting any closer”.

The waiting continued at the arrivals hall. Then Ben walked through the doors. “There aren’t words to describe the feeling of being there together, of hugging and having that blood connection,” Wladimir says.

Ben suddenly found himself a brother to seven siblings and an uncle to nieces and nephews. When they all embraced for the first time, he “felt a sense of being at peace. Even though I hadn’t been with them for the last 30 years, I definitely felt that family bond.”

Ben’s birth father, Luis, is now in his 70s, and didn’t make the trip to the airport for health reasons. His siblings took Ben on a tour of their home town to spend time with him. Ben was struck by their similarities, in appearance and personality: “He’s one of those people who, when he speaks, you really listen.”

As they walked around Chillán, Ben’s brothers shared anecdotes from their childhood. It was a way to bring Ben into these memories, to fill in the blanks of a life story that could have been. “I told him about the trees we climbed when we were kids,” Wladimir says. “The neighbours we played with – and the ones we ran away from when we broke their windows with our ball. He heard the stories of our lives as children: playing in our grandfather’s yard, helping him raise the chickens, going to church on weekends. It was sad at the same time because our mother wasn’t there to see him home.”

Ben felt conflicting emotions. “I was thinking: had I stayed, what would my life be like? Would I be in Chillán or Santiago? Would I have a family of my own now? What kind of adventures would we have had together?

“It gets a little bit heartbreaking when I think about it. But no one can change the past, so we are working on making new, happy memories.”

• Human trafficking
• Augusto Pinochet

Most viewed

NPR editor Uri Berliner resigns after essay accusing outlet of liberal bias

A senior business editor at National Public Radio has resigned after writing an essay for an online news site published last week accusing the outlet of a liberal bias in its coverage.

In a Wednesday post on X , Uri Berliner included a statement in what he said was his resignation letter to NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher.

"I am resigning from NPR, a great American institution where I have worked for 25 years," Berliner wrote in the post. "I don't support calls to defund NPR. I respect the integrity of my colleagues and wish for NPR to thrive and do important journalism. But I cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems at NPR I cite in my Free Press essay."

On Friday, Berliner was suspended for five days without pay, NPR confirmed Tuesday , a week after his essay in the Free Press, an online news publication, where he argued the network had "lost America's trust" and allowed a "liberal bent" to influence its coverage, causing the outlet to steadily lose credibility with audiences.

Berliner's essay also angered many of his colleagues and exposed Maher, who started as NPR's CEO in March, to a string of attacks from conservatives over her past social media posts.

Dig deeper: NPR suspends senior editor Uri Berliner after essay accusing outlet of liberal bias

NPR reported that the essay reignited the criticism that many prominent conservatives have long leveled against NPR and prompted newsroom leadership to implement monthly internal reviews of the network's coverage.

Neither NPR nor Maher have not yet publicly responded to Berliner's resignation, but Maher refuted his claims in a statement Monday to NPR.

"In America everyone is entitled to free speech as a private citizen," Maher said. "What matters is NPR's work and my commitment as its CEO: public service, editorial independence, and the mission to serve all of the American public. NPR is independent, beholden to no party, and without commercial interests."

Contributing: Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

The Teen Trend of Sexual Choking

More from our inbox:, emergency abortions and the supreme court, our father, who led columbia, would be saddened today, hiring discrimination, trump’s own ‘fake news’.

To the Editor:

Re “ Why We Need to Talk About Teen Sex ,” by Peggy Orenstein (Opinion guest essay, April 14):

As a psychotherapist and psychoanalyst who has worked for decades with teens and college-age students, I’m disturbed but not surprised by the trend of choking during sex.

Choking is obviously very dangerous, and unfortunately, social media has made this once uncommon practice more mainstream.

Education is the key with both our youth and parents. Yes, sexual strangulation needs to be part of ongoing conversations about safe sex practices. There clearly needs to be more accountability about this behavior.

There is a line, a boundary, where rough sex, whether it’s consensual or not, crosses into danger, causing devastating long-term effects for participants.

Arden Greenspan Goldberg San Diego

While reading this essay, I was reminded of how feminist writers and activists waved warning flags about the pernicious effects of pornography on women back in the 1970s and ’80s. They published books and essays on the subject, marched in demonstrations and spoke out in the media. They were continually derided as prudes and censors.

Decades later, with violent porn pervasive online and a generation of young women subjected to the sadistic sexual violence normalized by porn, it turns out those prudes and censors were actually Cassandras.

I thank Peggy Orenstein and the researchers in this story for bringing new attention to the issue.

J. Jamakaya Milwaukee

I taught a course on human sexuality to college students during the AIDS epidemic. When I heard about sexual strangulation, I considered briefly: Should I link this practice to arousal and orgasm when speaking to these high-risk young people? I knew that many would then experiment. I chose not to mention it, but I taught them, through role play, how to verbally refuse inappropriate sexual invitations.

Today, I hope instructors in my position will discuss with their students sexual strangulation with a potential partner and help them practice responding to sexual pressure.

Pornography makes partners look willing. Evolution favored a strong sex drive. The planet doesn’t need it anymore.

Elizabeth Powell St. Louis The writer is the author of “Talking Back to Sexual Pressure.”

Re “ 5 Takeaways From the Supreme Court Arguments on Idaho’s Abortion Ban ” (nytimes.com, April 24):

Reading about the hearing at the Supreme Court, I was taken aback at the careful attention some justices paid to ensuring that physicians whose conscience precludes them from performing abortions are excused from violating their beliefs. But some doctors are being forced to violate their conscience by being prevented from performing an abortion on patients whose precarious condition might decline precipitously without such a procedure.

Being forced to refuse medically indicated aid, knowing that the dire consequences violate the Hippocratic oath to do no harm, is an affront to their consciences, which must be considered with the same attention.

Susan Swartz Philadelphia

Re “ On Emergency Abortion Access, Justices Seem Sharply Divided ” (nytimes.com, April 24):

You write that since the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, uncertainty about the parameters for legal abortion in several states has led to complaints about doctors being forced to “think like lawyers.”

I am equally concerned that complex medical decisions are being made by nine lawyers being forced to think like doctors.

Jon D. Morrow New York The writer is an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Our father, Michael I. Sovern , played a leading role in resolving Columbia’s 1968 protests. He served as Columbia’s only Jewish president, from 1980 to 1993, and helped negotiate a peaceful end to weeks of anti-apartheid demonstrations.

We cannot know what our father, who died in 2020, would do if he were still president, but we have no doubt he would be deeply saddened by what is happening at the university that he loved and served for more than 60 years.

We believe that he would not want politicians and outsiders not affiliated with Columbia to exploit sincere student protest for their own gains, and, as in the 1980s, he would want protesters to ensure that they do not keep the university from providing the excellent education from which he and so many others benefited.

Finally, we know he would agree that anyone expressing opposition to the Israeli government or Hamas should not make Jewish or Palestinian students feel attacked or unsafe.

Jeff Sovern Elizabeth Sovern Doug Sovern Julie Sovern

Re “ Study Uses Fake Résumés to Measure Bias in Hiring ” (The Upshot, April 15):

The study on hiring discrimination in large U.S. companies, as reported in your story, highlights the importance of social capital in landing a job, especially for people of color.

The study found that even with equivalent qualifications, applicants with Black-sounding names were contacted by employers nearly 10 percent less often than those with white-sounding names.

In a world where such discriminatory hiring practices persist, the ability to build social capital — the relationships and networks that help open doors and advance someone in their career and life pursuits — is paramount.

Research shows that social capital — and in particular, cross-class relationships — is the greatest predictor of economic mobility. Educational institutions, from high schools to community colleges and trade schools, should prioritize helping students build social capital.

By teaching them how to build relationships, facilitating connections with industry professionals, creating mentorship programs that pair students with successful alumni, and, most important, teaching students how to make meaningful requests of those alumni, we can put more people on the path to successful careers.

Because opportunity should hinge on merit, not a name.

Nitzan Pelman Berkeley, Calif. The writer is C.E.O. of Climb Hire Labs, a national nonprofit teaching students and job seekers the art of building social capital.

Re “ Witness Recalls Burying Stories to Shield Trump ” (front page, April 24):

Finally, we have a rather compelling example of that “fake news” that Donald Trump has been ranting about for years.

He not only sought to bury damaging stories. It turns out that he and his fixer, Michael Cohen, working closely with David Pecker, the publisher of The National Enquirer, also concocted and released wholly untrue stories about his political opponents (for example, “Donald Trump Blasts Ted Cruz’s Dad for Photo With J.F.K. Assassin”). So says Mr. Pecker, under oath, in a Manhattan courtroom.

James P. Pehl Marlborough, Mass.