The Heartbreaking Letter I Wrote to the Grandchild I May Never Hold in My Arms

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If you’ve been reading Grandmawise for a while, you know I love to keep things light and celebrate all the happy moments of being a grandma. But sometimes, there are hard moments too.

One of the hardest is not being able to see your grandchild.

I understand that every family is different. Maybe your grandchild lives far away, or maybe something else is making it hard to stay close with them or their parents. Whatever your situation is, this letter is for you — the grandma whose heart hurts because she can’t see her grandchild.

To the Grandchild I Never Get to See:

I never thought I would have to write a letter like this — a letter to the one I love so much but hardly ever get to see.

When I pictured my life as a grandma, I imagined us having ice cream on hot summer days, reading cuddly bedtime stories, and sharing silly jokes that only we would understand.

I dreamed of us jumping in puddles, planting a little garden together, staying up late on Christmas Eve, and waking up too early on Christmas morning, too excited to sleep.

I loved being a mom. I loved every late-night feeding, every school play, every PTA meeting, and every sports game. I was always there, cheering the loudest. I looked forward to the day when I could do all those special things again — but this time with you, dear one.

I was going to be your biggest fan — I am your biggest fan.
But instead of cheering beside you, I sit quietly on the sidelines, hoping to catch even a small glimpse of you.

All I ever wanted was to be a grandma.
All I ever wanted was you.

And now you’re here — more wonderful than I ever dreamed. Your bright eyes, your sweet smile, and your cheerful spirit are everything I prayed for.
You are everything.

But even though you’re here, my arms are empty.
Even though you’re here, my heart feels heavy.
Even though you’re here, my soul aches.

It aches because I can’t hold you.
I can’t see you.
I can’t touch you.
I can’t hear your laughter up close.

You are my everything — my heart walking outside my body, my pride, my joy, my beloved grandchild.

The rocking chair I bought for us sits still and empty, the little lamp beside it dark. It will stay that way until the day I can finally hold you close.

The cozy blankets I planned to make for you, the craft supplies I bought for our special days, and the movies I saved for popcorn nights — they’re all tucked away, waiting for you.

Even though we are apart, I hope you always know:
You are loved more than words can say.
You are the brightest light in my life.

I know this time apart isn’t forever.
It can’t be forever.
I won’t let it be forever.

One day, we will be together. I believe it with all my heart.
Until then, I’ll keep dreaming of you and the beautiful day we will be reunited.

You are worth every second of the wait.
You are my joy.
You are my life.
You are my everything.
You are my grandchild.

I know many grandmas who feel the same way. My heart hurts for them — and for you if these words touched your heart. Grandmas and their grandchildren should never be kept apart by distance or anything else.

Please remember, if you feel this pain, I am thinking of you and praying for you. God bless you, from one loving grandma to another.

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