Letters: A Secret Revealed

Sorry I haven't written, dear one. Grandma has been sick -I didn't want to give you my germs. (Insert a computer virus joke here. Will they have computer viruses in your future, beloved?)

We imagine the future, even the very near future (and you will be reading these letters to yourself in six years or less, the very near future) filled with computers. We measure progress by the integration of our cell phones, toasters, check books and global positioning devices. But the real advances have been one we could not anticipate. You may measure progress very differently. I look forward to seeing the world you will make.

I must apologize for my generation. I admit that the world building blocks you've inherited are dirty and have many sharp edges. It will require all your ingenuity to make something soft and lovely from the pieces we left behind.

But if anyone can do it, dear girl, I know you can.

I have been sick and so has your Daddy. There is a bug "going around". It's funny that something invisible can travel so quickly across the miles, across stranger's handshakes and hugs. (Don't put that in your mouth, darling, it is covered with invisible miles of such travel.)

Your Daddy has been unable to kiss your Mommy these last few days because he doesn't want to make you and her sick too. Poor Daddy. He feels miserable with an upset tummy, sore throat and now, no kisses! You will have to give him extra now to make up for it. Poor silly Daddy.

I have learned a new secret! Current wisdom says your name will be Erowynn. Isn't that a pretty name? I like it a lot. (I think Cairo would be a nice middle name... and just think, we could plan our trip there together! I'm not sure even purchasing airline tickets in advance will convince your parents to add my "namesake" to your names itinerary. But I think your Mommy and Daddy know that I will spoil you rotten no matter what.)

I can't wait to show you the world. I can't wait for you to show the world to me. Shall we build pyramids in the sandbox? I will tell you what to say if you meet a Sphinx. They love riddles.

Question: What's black and white and crazy about you?

Answer: Another letter from grandma, of course.

Goodnight, little Erowynn.