But, I am getting a little ahead of myself. For this first time grandfather, the last nine months have brought many amazing things. It began with a question from our son and daughter-in-law: Are you ready to be grandparents? As the news spread to friends and family other questions followed.
QUESTION: Will you go New York when the baby is born?
ANSWER: Absolutely!
QUESTION: Do they know whether it is a boy or a girl?
ANSWER: They know it is a baby.
QUESTION: Do they have names?
ANSWER: They do but they are not telling.
QUESTION: What do you want to be called?
ANSWER: I really don't care as long as I'm called. Maybe Papa.
QUESTION: Are you excited?
ANSWER: Are you kidding me? How can I not be excited? My son and his wife are having a baby. Yes, I am excited! Out of my head excited!
Then, something amazing happened.
You see, I spotted the sign as we stood outside the hospital waiting for a taxi to take us back to the apartment after having spent the day waiting for the arrival of our granddaughter. Amazing things were happening.
For nine months they were the mother-to-be and the dad-to-be. For nine months schedules were altered to accommodate the sickness and the discomfort. Plans were altered. More rest was needed. More care was taken. Normal activities were no longer normal. There were days of extreme excitement and there were days of intense anxiety about the future. Then, something amazing happened.
Nine months is a long time to wait and wonder, to anticipate and speculate, to wish and to pray, and to answer questions. Is it a boy or a girl? Do you know? Do you want to know? How big is he or she? Which do you hope it is? How much weight have you gained? What is your due date? Have you picked out a name? What is the name? Who is your doctor? How are you feeling? Oh, don't forget: What do you think about this, Daddy? Nine months of hoping for good health and a safe delivery. Then, something amazing happened.
As the due date came and passed more adjustments were made. More questions were asked. More waiting. A new date was set. The anxiety grew. The days got longer. The waiting continued. Then, something amazing happened.
The message was sent: "Heading to the hospital soon." Flights were cancelled. New flights were booked. Amazing things happened.
After months of waiting, it came down to hours of waiting and wondering and hoping and praying. "Lord, please let us get there in time." "Lord, please keep them safe." "Lord, please take care of them." Then, something amazing happened.
For several hours the mother labored as the daddy comforted and reassured. The pain grew more intense (so I'm told). Minutes turned into hours. Then, an amazing thing happened. Isabel Taylor was born. She made her appearance. She was safe. Mom was safe. Dad was thrilled. She was healthy. She is beautiful. She is perfect. She is amazing. Amazing things were happening.
When I saw my son I saw joy in eyes; I heard the excitement in his voice, and I felt his delight that he had done exactly what he needed to do, and that he was exactly where God wanted him to be. I saw no fatigue. I saw sheer peace and contentment. Something amazing happened here.
When I held my granddaughter for the first time and looked at her through my tear-filled eyes, I saw a miracle of God. I saw beauty. I saw perfection. I saw love. Something amazing happened here.
The Proverb reads:
Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children (Proverbs 17:6 NIV).
The sign outside the New York hospital reads: "Amazing Things Are Happening Here."
You have no idea!
God is amazing! Life is amazing! Being married is amazing! Being a parent is amazing! Being Papa to a beautiful granddaughter ... well, we are only beginning to learn just how amazing that is.
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