Letters to Gracie

by DeafAngel2000

From 1965 to 1997, the bond between mother and daughter will always be a fascinating and complex relationship. No more can that be true between the former mermaid and army wife, Gracie Watsford, to her opinionated, passionate daughter, Annette Watsford. Read on as the duo goes through 30 years of inevitable phases of joy, grief, change, heartbreak, and the tales of Motherhood.

3. Chapter 3

November 25th, 1966

Dear Annie,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It's so hard to believe that an entire year has passed since you were born. You've grown so much that it's hard to believe time flew since the day you were born. Your bold head is now covered in beautiful, blonde curls, vibrant blue eyes, and an infectious laugh! To be honest, I didn't even first register your laugh when it happened. I had been tickling you and trying to get you to smile but git a loud squeal that, and I will forever claim, resembled more of a squeaky toy than a baby.

And trying to get you to walk, good Lord, you were stubborn! Me and Daddy were almost convinced you were purposely not learning to walk or crawl because you liked being held. Well, it was a good thing you like food. I've seen people use food to lure animals to them and I practically had to follow that format with you! You finally folded with peaches though. But did you have to try walking on your first go!? Your Daddy was very upset he nearly missed it, but we both know you have him wrapped around your little finger! My mama told me I was a handful and expect twice as much with my own child. I will not let her know I understand, but she'll find out anyhow.

Speaking of which..."MAMA" was your first word! Your daddy all but fell out in utter disappointment and humiliation when I specifically brought you to the base to gloat! But in all that humiliation, there was good humor and he lost the bet: Which was dishes and nappy duties for 2 1/2 months! I'm fair enough not to go a whole three months and excuse him from work, but once he's home, he can take care of you and try to bribe you into saying "DADA" (as if he wasn't doing that before, which makes your first words all the sweeter!). You're also playing with your toys now, which the doctor says is good for your motor skills. Your daddy says that since I like writing to you so much, you might as well write back one day. I'll give you to age 4, but your daddy made another bet that you'll write at 3.

Honestly, I shouldn't keep writing for long, our guests are almost here. We decided to celebrate your birthday in a low-key fashion. A simple barbeque with me, Daddy, you, Daddy's friends, their wives/my friends, and of course, their babies. Believe it or not, you were the first of 5 babies born on the base (more reason to gloat but give sound advice to the tired, new mothers). Don't worry, we have a big cake ready for you (and your Daddy with the camera-ready after you've made a mess of yourself).

Love,

Momma