I got this idea from a Google commercial. It still makes me tear up when I watch it. The commercial tells the true story of a father who created a special email account the day his daughter was born. Through the years, he sends regular email updates with photos, videos and stories of important moments in her life. I immediately thought, “What an easy gift to give to your grandchild!”
So, I recently created three email accounts for my three grandchildren. You can use any email provider and can create as many accounts as you like, as long as the user names are not taken. (I used their first, middle and last names. Ex: katiechristinebell@gmail.com) However, for birthdate, you should use your own. Most email providers will not allow someone younger than thirteen to create an account. By using your own birthdate, it will be easy to remember if prompted to enter it later.
I am now having the best time sending them messages and photos. From birthday parties to “I was just thinking of you today,” this is a boundless medium through which I can express my love. Let’s face it, I know that I will not be around forever. Also, my grandkids are getting older and are not quite as dependent on my time and affection as they used to be. Some day, a long time from now, they will sit down and go through the hundreds of emails that I send them over the years and “meet” me all over again. They will be able to see just how much I cared for them and will have special remembrances of many treasured childhood memories.
In case you are curious, here’s that Google commercial. Grab a tissue!
