If there were Olympic medals for listening, I wouldn’t even make the team never mind the podium. As far back as I can remember, my teachers would often comment on my tendency to daydream. There are moments, though, when my interest is captured by a specific event. I realize it may sound bizarre, but birds’ singing, especially in the morning, is one such event. Once you hear my rationale, you may better understand.
It was around 6 AM, on May 4th, 2000. The worst had happened, Alisha had just passed away and yet miraculously my wife and I were still breathing. We drove from the hospital to the Ronald McDonald House and pulled into the driveway completely shattered. All our hopes and dreams for Alisha’s life vanished in an instant. Her smile, her hugs and kisses, her giggle, her amazing personality would be forever locked in a picture frame or relegated to a video. Our interaction would be permanently severed.
As I turned off the car, it felt like I was turning off Alisha’s life. We felt helplessly out of control, then ‘it’ happened. The sound was amazing. Much to our surprise we witnessed a vast chorus of birds sharing a magnificent melody as they soared through the sun-kissed sky. God had sent us an extraordinary message to show us we were not alone. In that one brief moment, the Creator of the Universe comforted us as Heaven applauded.
It was around 6 AM, on March 21st, 2009, my wife called to tell me my brother-in-law had passed away at the age of thirty-eight. I refused to get out of bed, perhaps thinking I wouldn’t have to face it, but long before I made it to my big bay window there was that long familiar song. It was the enthusiastic sound of birds singing their unforgettable chorus. I had no words, just tears of pain for those of us left behind yet tears of joy for my brother-in-law because he was free and Heaven was applauding.
I now seem to hear the birds more clearly, because there was a time when I simply wasn’t listening. Perhaps while you’re going about your morning routine, you can spare a moment to listen for the birds. You may be surprised at the beauty they offer.
“Every time the birds sing Heaven’s melody is revealed to mankind.”
Swavel
Showing posts with label hospital. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hospital. Show all posts
Monday, August 23, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Ice In My Cup
You always remember the first time you bring your child home. Whether it be from the hospital or in my case from China. Birthdays remind me of great moments like these. Since, it is my second daughter’s eighth birthday today, the girl who loves me more than Narnia, I am dedicating this article to her.
The first time I met Sianna I was happy. I was glad God gave me my girl.
These are the words my daughter wanted me to start with when I wrote a story about her a few year ago. Her biggest concern seemed to be what I was thinking when I first met her. I just wanted to put her fears to rest and let her know I loved her and was happy she was my daughter long before I met her. The following is from that story.
On February 26th, 2003, the first day I saw my daughter, she was born in my heart. The first day I held her was June 2, 2003. At that moment, nothing else mattered; not the time we missed, not the miles traveled, or the time we had to wait. It all faded away. From the moment I embraced her in my arms, my heart was smiling.
As we headed home from our journey, all the problems of life felt far away. As I peered out the window with my wife and new daughter beside me, I took in the view. I was caught up in the breath-taking scenery as the clouds danced and raced against each other. All the while, I was enjoying the thought of bringing my daughter home to meet her brother.
Then the stewardess passed me a cup of soda with ice in it. Sitting there with the beverage in my hand only enhanced this serene moment. When I had finished my drink, the ice sitting in the bottom of the cup brought a smile to my soul. Normally leftover ice doesn't seem signficant, but as I looked at it on that particular day it signified something more. It reminded me of how God does not owe us the opportunity to have children, just like ice, they are a bonus. But children, like ice, certainly make life more enjoyable.
“The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning." Sianna’s favorite quote from Narnia
"Everyone's got to be for a child to have a home and love. I mean I don't know anyone who would be against that." ~Dave Thomas
Swavel
The first time I met Sianna I was happy. I was glad God gave me my girl.
These are the words my daughter wanted me to start with when I wrote a story about her a few year ago. Her biggest concern seemed to be what I was thinking when I first met her. I just wanted to put her fears to rest and let her know I loved her and was happy she was my daughter long before I met her. The following is from that story.
On February 26th, 2003, the first day I saw my daughter, she was born in my heart. The first day I held her was June 2, 2003. At that moment, nothing else mattered; not the time we missed, not the miles traveled, or the time we had to wait. It all faded away. From the moment I embraced her in my arms, my heart was smiling.
As we headed home from our journey, all the problems of life felt far away. As I peered out the window with my wife and new daughter beside me, I took in the view. I was caught up in the breath-taking scenery as the clouds danced and raced against each other. All the while, I was enjoying the thought of bringing my daughter home to meet her brother.
Then the stewardess passed me a cup of soda with ice in it. Sitting there with the beverage in my hand only enhanced this serene moment. When I had finished my drink, the ice sitting in the bottom of the cup brought a smile to my soul. Normally leftover ice doesn't seem signficant, but as I looked at it on that particular day it signified something more. It reminded me of how God does not owe us the opportunity to have children, just like ice, they are a bonus. But children, like ice, certainly make life more enjoyable.
“The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning." Sianna’s favorite quote from Narnia
"Everyone's got to be for a child to have a home and love. I mean I don't know anyone who would be against that." ~Dave Thomas
Swavel
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