Being (really becoming) a Grandfather is...
Life changing. You realize you're not getting any younger. The snow on the mountaintop is looking a little deeper.
A time to stop and reflect. You think, "my goodness, what have I done?!" What has transpired over the decades to shape my life? How has my thinking been affected by the experiences and inputs in my life? How have my relationships to others (especially to my wife and children) directly affected my grandchild (now) and future grandchildren.
What are or will my responsibilities be now and in the future? How do I best support my child and their spouse (currently my daughter and her husband)? What proper influence has God called me to have on my grandchild?
Since Tuesday, February 2, I've been on cloud 9! It's been almost indescribable. My daughter sounded so good when I spoke with her only after about one hour past bringing Caleb Michael into the world. She sounded tired (I truly believe God blessed women with this special ability, men would not be able to handle it) and rightfully so.
This was also a time to truly sit back and watch the sovereign hand of God work in his children's lives. As of the weekend before the Caleb's birth, his father Rob was half a world away serving his country, waiting to begin his emergency home leave. Bethany was due to give birth on February 10. At about 3 pm on Tuesday, the second, she went into labor and a friend brought her to the hospital. Rob's flight into Syracuse airport was to arrive at 4 pm. Rob was in the delivery room at just the right time. God was right on schedule to answer prayer!
I was soon emailed pictures while I sat in a hotel room a couple of thousand miles away in the Dominican Republic. Caleb is beautiful as you can see. I know that I am truly prejudiced!
But my favorite picture, so far, is Caleb being cradled by his loving father Rob. Child looks up to his daddy. Daddy is focused on this miraculous new life as well as on the woman whom he chose to be his life partner and help mate. He will have a little bit of time with his young family before he returns to his duties with the US Army in a more difficult, less inviting part of the world.
Caleb looks just like his Daddy. A very kind face. Both mom and dad love him dearly and unconditionally. They understand their gift. They will understand their responsibilities.
My job as Grandfather is to support all of them. To love them for who they are, each one created in the image of God. To provide guidance and counsel when asked (maybe sometimes when not asked).
Before I forget, hearty and heartfelt congratulations to Rob's parents in Wisconsin. Joe and Karen. They share in our joy.
I still haven't decided what I want to be called. Grandpa, granddad, papa, grandfather. I just don't know. Maybe I'll let my children decide...
How has my family's life changed? Here's an update 8 months later.
