“Life isn’t meant to be perfect — it’s meant to be lived.”

In our quest to make life easier for our children, we sometimes forget that comfort without struggle takes away strength. Life isn’t about always smoothing the path — it’s about learning to walk, and sometimes stumble, through it with resilience.

So, for my grandchildren, I wish you something deeper. Something real.

I hope you wear hand-me-down clothes, and eat homemade ice cream on hot summer days. I hope you learn honesty by being cheated, humility by feeling embarrassed, and courage by standing up for something you believe in.

I hope you make your own bed, mow the lawn, and wash your car until your arms ache. I hope no one hands you a brand-new car at sixteen — you’ll cherish it more when you’ve earned it yourself.

I hope you witness puppies being born, and one day, stay beside your old dog when it’s time to say goodbye. I hope you fight for what’s right, share your room with your sibling, and when they’re scared at night, let them crawl under your blanket for comfort.

I hope you read real books, build something with your hands, and understand that the best lessons in life aren’t taught — they’re lived.

You will make mistakes. You will fall. But it’s in those moments that you’ll learn gratitude, courage, and love.

 Because the goal of life isn’t to have it easy — it’s to live it fully, bravely, and with heart. Every moment, every challenge, every joy, will shape you into someone who knows the true meaning of living.