Day 4 - Ana Pardo

Queridos Nietos,

As you grow and find your own way in this wide and wondrous world, I want you to know that you are always held in my heart—and in my prayers.

My deepest prayer for you is simple, yet powerful: that you learn to live peacefully and non-violently, in your thoughts, your words, and your actions. The world will not always be gentle, but I hope you discover that strength does not come from force or anger, but from compassion, courage, and understanding.

I pray that you carry a quiet, steady peace within you, and that this peace becomes a gift you offer freely to everyone you encounter. May your presence calm troubled places, may your listening heal unseen wounds, and may your kindness ripple outward in ways you may never fully see—but which will matter more than you know.

There is a song called The Prayer that often comes to mind when I think of you. It asks, “Let this be our prayer,” and speaks of hope, guidance, and light. Another line asks to be “guided to a place where we’ll be safe.” My prayer is that you learn to create that “safe place” wherever you go—through patience, respect, and love.

On your life journeys, you will meet people who are different from you, people who are hurting, and people who may not know how to live peacefully yet. I hope you will meet them with open hearts and gentle spirits, offering the energy of non-violence and understanding instead of fear or judgment.

Never doubt that the world needs what you have to give. Never forget that love is stronger than anger, and peace is more powerful than force.
I am so grateful to walk a small part of this journey with you. Wherever life takes you, my prayers go with you—always.

Con todo mi amor,
​
Abuela
(Ana Pardo, Calgary, Alberta)