Dear Carter,

Dear Carter,

Let me tell you a little about your name: Carter Frederick.
Your middle name was the first part of your full name that we chose: Frederick. You were named after your Grandpa Shear, who I told you a little about here. For that reason alone, we hold this name in very high regards, and you should always carry it proudly. The name is German, because the Shear side of the family is of German heritage (just wait till you try Granda Cool's German potato salad!!). The name, regardless of ethnic origian, means "peace-keeper," or "peaceful ruler."

Your first name was kind of a split-second decision for Daddy and I. I'd seen it in a book one day and we added it to our list -- you were to be a Dillon, a Tyler or a Carter. When Daddy saw you, Carter is what he chose. Carter, as we now know, means "cart-driver," or "transporter of goods."

Now that we know you, we can't think of a better name for you --we like to combine those two names and think of you as a peace bringer -- you've proven to be just that. Here's proof for you:

1. Again, this is my favorite picture of you. Great-Grandma Cool passed away on May 21, 2o1o. Before that, while she was still awake and aware, we're told she spoke endlessly of you. This picture was taken during your last visit with her while she was alive. She was so happy to see you that day. I really believe that seeing you and knowing all about you put her in a more peaceful place. You also brought a great sense of peace to her funeral. You were such a good boy during the mass, sleeping peacefully in the back of the church. You smiled and socialized while we passed you around at the luncheon afterward, and then you sat quietly and smiled at everyone at the burial. Everyone was enamored with you and amazed at how good you were -- and on a 90 degree day to boot. You brought peace to a grieving family.

2. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, you stay with Grandma Nancy while Daddy and I are at work. Grandma Nancy lives with Grammy and Grampy and takes care of them since Grampy has Alzheimer's Disease and needs some help. Sometimes, Grandma, Grammy and Grampy argue because they're always together and don't get a lot of time apart. But, on the days when you're there, they all get along wonderfully because they're so happy to see you and so busy playing with you that they don't have time to argue. You make that house such a happy place and all three of them get weepy every single time you leave (No, really! I'm not even making that up!)

3. This is a picture of you with Ellie, who is one of Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Shears' best friends. Ellie and her husband Ron have lived down the street from GG & GG Shear for over 50 years. Sadly, just a few weeks ago, Ellie lost Ron fairly-unexpectedly to Leukemia. So, when we all gathered at the GG & GG's house for a visit last weekend, Ellie came over to visit too. You could tell she was sad because Ron wasn't there with her, but when she saw you her face lit up, and she had a blast with you all night. She sat at the table with you and talked and played for quite some time. You brought Ellie some peace that night -- helping her have some good laughs and a whole lot of smiles during a difficult time in her life.


4. Great Grandma Shear has Alzheimer's Disease too, Like Grampy does. She doesn't remember you as her great-grandson anymore, but she does know a cute baby when she sees one. Grandma Shear doesn't say a lot anymore, but when she did speak up last weekend, it was often because she was watching you laugh and play, or snuggle into someone's shoulder. She frequently said things like "He's a keeper," or "What a cutie!"


So you see Carter, you really do live up to your name. Even strangers in the stores, on the streets when we walk, and in restaraunts when we eat comment on how good-natured you are. And you are -- you love people. You look them straight in the eye, no matter what they look like or how they approach you, and give them your huge, open-mouthed grin and then an excited squeal. I don't think there's a human being on Earth who can resist your sweetness. Every day you make us smile even when we're feeling down, grieving, frustrated, or just sick of life's ups and downs. You're Carter Frederick, you're a peace bringer, and we love you SO much.