As I sit down to write this month’s letter, my heart is brimming with emotions I scarcely know how to articulate. This past January, I stepped into a new chapter of life—one that countless friends have assured me would be transformative. I became a grandfather.

Debbie and Craig Kaminer hold their firstborn grandchild in their arms.

There’s something magical about holding a newborn in your arms, knowing they are an extension of your family’s story and a beacon of its future. In their tiny hands, you see boundless potential; in their eyes, a reflection of the generations that came before. The experience is at once humbling and exhilarating, and it has offered me a profound sense of gratitude.

I’ve always cherished the milestones of life—graduations, weddings, career accomplishments—but becoming a grandparent is a milestone of a different kind. It feels less about achievement and more about legacy, connection, and love. It’s about witnessing life’s beautiful, continuous cycle and embracing the joy of watching it unfold anew.

This new role also brings with it a gentle shift in perspective. As a parent, you often find yourself caught in the rush of raising children, striving to give them the best foundation. As a grandparent, the pace slows, and you’re reminded to savor the small, fleeting moments—a smile, a first laugh, the wonder of their discovery.

In the spirit of cherishing these moments, I’ve taken on a project close to my heart: writing a children’s book about her first year. Long before she turns one, I hope to capture the milestones, the joys, and the little stories that will someday remind her of just how deeply she’s been loved from the very beginning. It’s a gift to her, but also a gift to myself—a way of ensuring that none of this fleeting magic is lost to time.

Of course, I also find myself imagining the future—the adventures we’ll share and the lessons I’ll have the privilege of teaching her. I dream of the day I can teach her to sail, guiding her as the wind catches the sail for the first time and watching her eyes light up with wonder at the open water. I’ll teach her to fish, just as I did her dad and uncle, showing her the quiet patience it requires and the thrill of the catch. And we’ll undoubtedly spend hours at the ping pong table, where I’ll pass on the skills that have brought so much joy and not-so-friendly competition to our family over the years.

And one day, when she’s ready, I’ll take her on her first trip to Florence, Italy, a city so close to my heart, and share with her the art, the history, and the magic that shaped so much of who I am today.

These dreams fill my heart with hope and joy, and they remind me of the profound privilege of being part of her journey. In a way, this letter is a tribute to all grandparents who have walked this path before me. Your wisdom, kindness, and patience have set the bar high, and I hope to honor that legacy as I navigate this next chapter myself.

As always, thank you for being part of this journey, and for allowing me to share a glimpse of my life with you each issue. Here’s to celebrating life’s milestones, big and small—and to the many lessons our grandchildren teach us along the way.

Publisher’s Letter: A New Chapter Begins