A letter to my child

The letters below were written by members of the Plymouth Multilingual Group with the help of Creative Writing Tutor Lucy Pinney on their visit to Plymstock Library.

The group, which meets monthly, supports parents' efforts to raise their children to speak two - and in some cases three or even four languages and celebrates the different cultures within the group.

If anyone would like to find out more about the group, contact Ricky Lowes by emailing info@multilingualfamilies.org.uk.

To my son

As you know you are my oldest son and I want you to do the things which you think it is right in life. The things which other people will appreciate it and will respect you for it. Try to help, love, and respect people, make a good relationship with God so he will guide you to the right path.

When you do something try to do it the best you can and put a lot of effort in it, and if you want people to listen and follow your ideas you have to explain things to them and you have to listen to their ideas. I will do my best to help you in life and I will be always there if you need my help.

From your father

To my son

You remember when you had a holiday with Granny and Grandad and we went to London. Well when you are a little older and we go to France you could have a holiday with Guy and Marie. This would be great because you could play basketball with Anrehan and Alexandre and play with little Jules who is younger than you! You could also practise your French and learn important words like 'glace' 'chocolat' and 'gateau'. When Daddy was a very little boy he used to do the same and go to France and stay with his Granny and Grandad on his own. He remembers when he was five years old; he went all by himself to Paris on the plane. Mummy and Daddy took me to the airport of course and a lovely lady looked after me on the plane. Granny and Grandad picked me up at the airport and I had a fantastic holiday in Paris.

When you are ready to go and work in Guy's factory you’ll be able to speak French really well. Daddy worked in a big shop in Paris when he was a young man and Uncle Mich works as a decorator in Paris isn’t that exciting.

I hope you think this is a great idea and when you are having a holiday away Mummy and Daddy love you all the time and we can talk to each other on the telephone.

Guy and Marie are your family in France and they really love you.

To my three children

When I was young, I was fortunate to have a wise Grandmother, who though quiet, wrote some extraordinary letters. I have saved a few of these for you, but for now would like to share the best bit of advice she ever gave to me.

No matter what you do in life, no matter how successful or wealthy you become, the most important thing to remember is that if you are happy, then you have everything you need in life. And always remember that your family will love you no matter what.

If there is one thing which I could add, please remember that you may have friends who will come and go, but you will always have each other. Be kind and care for each other, if you argue, make up with one another.

Lastly, please remember that whilst Uncle Frank will have an opinion on every subject, he is not always right!

Love Papa xxx

To my two children

I would like to let you know how much I love you. I am privileged to have you. Darling, sometimes it's very difficult to describe my feeling to you. Having you and your brother is greatest thing in the world. Without you my life would be empty.

It's very nice showing your kindness with your brother and teaching him how to behave and sit quietly when I am busy with study.

Darling, I have to admit that, I very much like to listen to you when you usually have facts around a subject you learnt at school and share it with me. I like your cooking by the way, son. You must’ve been a good chef when you were in my tummy.

Finally, I would like to let you know how much I am proud of you. I wish you a very successful education and happiness in your mature life. Love you.

God bless

Your Mum

To my child

Is it possible to keep all of my memories for you on this page? How can I write down what I felt when I first looked into those dark eyes of yours? I suddenly felt I had a purpose in life - to look after and nourish this little baby.

And look at you now - independent, loving and so absolutely adorable. I remember the first time you said 'Mama'. You were sleeping in your room and suddenly woke up to find me not there. I felt needed. I also realised how I needed my own mother. How I'd call her 'Mama' and she'd always be there for me.

How wonderful this link from mother to daughter, and then the daughter becomes a mother. And now you are tugging at my sari. And I have to stop.

Write some more later, I suppose

Your Mama

To my son

Know that your Mum and Dad will always be on your side with your best interests @ heart. Our love is unconditional as you will one day understand when you have found a partner. Marriage helps to keep thing strong as life can sometimes be challenging when in a long term relationship! The trick is live for the moment take one day at a time. Try not to take your self too seriously as life is too short (and so are you, lol!) find wisdom and understanding as all good things start like this. Remember that no one is perfect so don't beat your self up when you got it wrong. In time you will learn. You'll get there.

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