Her hands were smaller than I imagined any hands could ever be.  Her feet rosy red, with toes much smaller than corn kernels.   And her face.  Oh my god.  We all thought she would look like Eric, due to the 3D pictures we saw, but no.  Her eyes, open, alive, and shining as bright as possible, are the eyes of her beautiful mother Kathryn.  Her blessings, even as a newborn, are endless.  She was born into so much love flowing from so many people.

Fully formed, and perfect in every way, my new granddaughter entered into the world and into my life.  I can honestly say that I am used to having grandchildren.  With the first two coming 8 and 10 years ago, I learned what an amazing blessing it was to be a grandfather.  Before Emma and Jake, it was only a concept.  The second they were born, a huge measure of love starting flowing from a place within myself that I didn’t even recognize.  Since they were born, I have wondered why I have such powerful feelings.  Those feelings were different than when my children were born.  Not greater, but just different.  Perhaps it was because of my past youth, my inexperience, my frenetic life, or maybe it’s just a reflection of grandparenthood. 

Well now, with the arrival of Madison, I once again get to reflect on how fortunate I am to have so many blessings in my life.  I look at this moving, breathing miracle, and I cannot believe that my miracle created 35 years ago, who found his most perfect partner, is now a father.  Our family continues to grow, and I am sure we are not finished. 

On this Father’s Day I once again feel immense gratitude for my whole family, and pray my children get to feel the joy I feel today and every day.