Keeping the Dream Podcast

Keeping the Dream Podcast


Letter to Mason ktd-011

June 09, 2020

[Edited June 10, to add that sweet Mason has arrived! This morning at 6:31 A.M. Welcome beautiful grandchild, welcome with so much love and joy <3 ]
Transcription:
This is Demian Yumei from KeepingtheDream.com, I dedicate this episode to someone whose arrival I am waiting with great anticipation. 

~ ~ ~
I Promise
For My Dear Grandchild Who’s Expected to Arrive Soon,

I promise I will be your "little bit crazy" Nana.

I promise I will always believe in stuff like keeping your dream, making wishes on stars, and faires that live in flower beds… oh, and unicorns.

I promise I will never stop planting milkweeds or calling butterflies or listening to their wisdom, when they light on my glasses.

I promise when I get discouraged or see things that sadden me, I will paint words of hope like graffiti in open spaces, and bring kindness into the tender places of the heart.

I will not be quiet. I will make people turn their heads, click their tongues or avert their eyes, on the chance that someone might be inspired.

I will be noisy.

I will not tell you to be quiet when you are.

I promise I will read you stories and write stories and songs, and sing them, or leave them to be sung by others.

I will fight for you with every ounce of love I possess, for the right for you and all children to live in a world that is clean and sustainable, that’s filled with equity and love.

We have a long way to go, but you are worth the effort. Every child is.

I promise, for you, I will expand my heart and what I believe is possible. I will let good things happen. You are one of those good things.

I will help you to face what's bad and hurtful, though I would shield you from it if I could, and support you in keeping your heart open to love, always.

Most of all, I promise to learn from you, to let you teach me everything you came here to teach. I will try to be a good student.

You have such amazing cousins and big sister, your grandparents, aunts and uncles, all, who love you. And you couldn't have picked a better mommy or daddy to have you.

I didn't think it was possible that I could love more. But here you are.

This is a beautiful world we live in. With all the things that need to be healed or changed — and there’s a lot — it’s still a beautiful world. I think you coming here makes it just a bit more beautiful.

A number of years ago, I wrote and recorded a song to go with a children’s book I had written, Little Yellow Pear Tomatoes. Your Auntie Brhiannon was about 7 years old. She and her classmates sang on the recording.

The story I wrote is inspired by the teachings of Thich Naht Hanh about the interconnectedness of life. If ever there was a time to learn this truth and to honor it, it’s now. And so I want to share it with you.

I’m so glad your journey is bringing you to us. May you have a beautiful journey ahead of you, and let me end this little letter to you with my favorite blessing:

My dearest Mason, may you stay true to your journey, to the light in your heart, to who you are and who you are becoming, always.

Wo ai ni, Aishiteru, I love you.
Your Nana

LYRICS (to the song played at the end of the episode):

Little Yellow Pear Tomatoes
Lyrics and Melody by Demian Yumei
Arrangement and instruments by Stacey Young
I love little yellow pear…Little yellow pear tomatoes