Almost a month ago, while my wife was in California dealing with her mother’s passing, we received the news that our second great granddaughter, Delaney, had entered our world. She arrived a few days earlier than expected, but weighed in at 7 lbs, 7 ozs. Her parents, Matthew and Emily, were elated, our daughter, Rachel, was beside herself with a grandmother’s joy, and old great-Grandad and great MomMom just couldn’t imagine themselves being old enough (or even Matt being old enough!) Fortunately, Emily’s mother and sister were able to get there in time to help with Addison (Addie) our first great granddaughter while her sister was making her debut. What an exciting day!
A few hours later, however, the elation, joy and excitement was stilled and fear and concern overwhelmed our spirits. Delaney was having difficulty. Within a few hours of her birth—and in the middle of the night—she had her first helicopter ride. She was flown to a major Children’s Hospital where she could receive the care she needed. Surgery was performed upon her arrival and the following day yet another procedure. The doctors and nurses were optimistic. Matthew and Emily exhausted, but hopeful. Emily’s mother and sister, both nurses, were there by their side, helping and encouraging. We were doing what we could to help and encourage from a distance (in Maryland and in California) holding Matt, Emily, and Delaney in our bundle of love and care.
Every new day brought good news. My nephew, a pediatric cardiologist in Michigan, had a connection with the hospital and followed Delaney’s progress each day providing comfort to us. Matt and Emily’s inner resources blossomed They were given an extraordinary strength and courage to face each new day. And Delaney continued to get better and better. We are so grateful! Our daughter, Rachel, has just spent a week getting acquainted with her newest granddaughter, Delaney, while spoiling her first granddaughter, Addison. And life goes on….
And what of old great grandad? Well, I just can’t get over how life tumbles in, even though I’ve seen and experienced it in the lives of so many others through the years as a pastor. Life tumbles in! But we must be careful what we say. Life tumbles in not just in loss, trouble, or sadness—Life tumbles in with gladness, too. It is with gladness and an inner feeling of gratitude I can’t find words to describe, that I share how life has tumbled in on me in two beautiful little great granddaughters: Addison and Delaney.
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