A grandfathers advice to his grandchildren

Dear Thea, Hal, Lottie & Jasper,

What are grandfathers for?

You know well enough that they are good at romping on the carpet, tickling your tummy and pulling funny faces. But how about as you grow older? Grandfathers also grow older and become even sillier, and just at the time you are starting to blossom into maturity. As you climb uphill I shall be tumbling down the other side. We may never have the chance for a sensible talk. So, I write to you now - long before you can read or have reached the age of reason.

The topics are random and various. Where I hold convictions about what is right, they have come, as often as not, from doing wrong. This type of learning process was slow and painful, not only for myself but also for those close to me. I suspect that there are probably no shortcuts and everyone has to learn the hard way. Nevertheless, I write in the hope that you may learn a little from me and cause less damage along the way than I did.

As ever, there is also a selfish motive. I would like you to know me as I once was.