Welcoming Our Second Grandchild

We recently welcomed our second grandchild, a baby girl, into our family. What a beautiful gift! She's darling. My heart is full of love and wonder. It's really amazing how creation, in all its forms, works.

I have been aware of the presence of my parents, her great-grandparents who died about 25 years ago, being with us to also welcome her. Lovely, really.

I am so thankful that she has come into this world surrounded by and held in love. I am so thankful that she has both a mommy and a daddy to love her and guide her. I am so thankful that she lives in a part of the world that is peaceful. I am so thankful that she has access to excellent medical care. I am so thankful that her family has a home, food, and clothing. I am so thankful that her parents prepared her big brother, age 2 1/2 years, for having a baby sister.

And I see the challenges of being a parent to a crying, hungry, and at times fussy baby. The lack of sleep. Plus the adjustments required of a 2 1/2 year old big brother.

And being the bleeding heart that I am, I think of babies whose, oftentimes sad or tragic, lives are so very different from my grandchildren. God bless them and may they be held in love.

As Tiny Tim from The Christmas Carol said, "And may God bless us, everyone."

Thank you, God, for the joy and wonder of life!