In an effort to stay connected with my family, I started writing what I affectionately call the Family Newsletter almost every Sunday morning—for over three years now. It began as a simple attempt to check in, to stay in touch across the miles and the busyness of life. What I didn’t expect was that it would grow into a tradition I now treasure deeply.
That little email thread has grown into something much bigger than I imagined. Today, it includes around 60 people—mostly family, but also many others who have been lovingly adopted into our circle over the years. Friends, extended relatives, chosen family—all are welcome.
That simple act of writing....
One of the sweetest rewards is hearing from my grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and others when they mention something I wrote. It tells me these letters are being read, remembered, and sometimes even passed along. That simple act of writing—often rambling, always heartfelt—has become a small but meaningful thread that keeps us woven together.
Through this weekly ritual, I share family birthdays, updates, affirmations, and reflections. And I always include what I call my “Nuggets of Wisdom.” Here are a few favorites that have made their way into recent emails:
"LOVE IS AN ANTIDOTE FOR FEAR"
"Good morning, Lovable and Loving Folks"
"Everything that defends, protects, and serves life—God’s major gift—is positive. Everything that offends against, oppresses, or excludes life is negative. LOVE is RIGHT! The absence of Love is WRONG!"
That last one is a quote from Frei Betto, a Brazilian theological unifier (isn’t that a beautiful title?), who shared it in response to the question: “What is your moral code in relation to right and wrong?” His words deeply resonate with me—and they’ve found a home in my little Sunday tradition.
These newsletters are not polished essays or profound declarations. They’re just small offerings of love and connection—one week at a time.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough.
Thank you for being a Caring Grandparent - Grandpa Neil
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