Today another grandchild becomes a teenager. I’m convinced that our Ainsley is the sweetest teenager you will ever meet. She has an uncanny ability shared by few. Call it grace. Call it charm. Call it serendipity. Call it what you like. I call it a gift, because you will always feel better after any encounter with her. She carries her own light within her wherever she goes. And she shares that light with you.

Ainsley is quiet and thoughtful. She approaches new experiences with curiosity and poise. She doesn’t demand attention. She doesn’t need to be the center of attention, but don’t underestimate her. At her tender age she has already earned a black belt in Taekwondo. She is a disciplined and accomplished student and has won awards for academics, singing and leadership at her school.

Navigating through the teenage years can be tough. New freedoms. New rules. New friends. New temptations. And lots of demands on kids’ time. Teenageville can be a scary place. But this little light of mine, she shines!

Ainsley has strong faith. She loves deeply. She gives selflessly. And when you encounter her, you will feel better. You will feel better about your day. You will feel better about yourself. You will feel better about this world.

There are days when I want her to stay innocent and tender and untouched by ugliness, sexism, misogyny, discrimination, and hatred. But we need her to become the strong, confident woman she is destined to be. Because we need the gift that Ainsley shares to be spread throughout this world.

Peace,

Denis