19 January 2002

Subject: Blessed Event 

Dear Ones,

Best wishes to you as we "celebrate" another Saturday and take another marble out of the jar.

 

In thinking about what is going on in our life at this "moment in time", my thoughts turn to our son, Christian, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday tomorrow. It's hard to believe that it has been that many years since this blessed event took place -- the birth of our only child. This event was all the more extraordinary since Leavon and I had been waiting for this blessing for over 12 1/2 years of marriage.

 

I will never every forget the day of Christian's birth and I am certain that neither will Leavon. It began at about 5:30 in the morning with Leavon waking me up and announcing that "her water had just broken". Not knowing much about such things, I calmly told her to get dressed and I would drive her to the US Army Hospital at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.... a mere 15 minutes away. I was sure that I would take her in, she would deliver right away, and that I would then proceed on to my regularly-scheduled classes at the military school I was attending.

 

I proceeded to dress for this special occasion by donning a sport coat and tie. But, before heading out of our apartment building, I asked Leavon to pose at the door for a "special" photo. I was quite certain that she was in the last hours of her radiate-looking pregnancy and I wanted to record this moment forever.

 

Last hours my hind foot! Some 16 hours later, with my coat off, my tie loosened and pulled to one side, my sleeves rolled up above my elbows, and me perspiring like crazy.... I was still holding Leavon down on the bed and urging her to "take a deep breath and push!!!". A few minutes before mid-night, it finally happened..... another of God's miraculous, blessed events.... a baby boy was born. The day/date was Monday, 20 January 1969. We named our son Don Christian.

 

I fully understand, and appreciate the fact, that for some, the birth of one of several children may not have had such import, but for me and my house, it was a monumental happening.... after 12 1/2 years of marriage the birth of our only son... and just what I wanted, a boy, who to this day is the pride, joy and love of our life.

 

Some folks don't believe in miracles, some don't even believe in God. But, I have often wondered, "How can anyone who has ever looked upon a new-born baby not believe in miracles or say, 'there is no God'." As a believer, I say, "Thank you, Lord, for the miracle of Christian's birth.... this blessed event."

 

Happy Birthday, Christian. We love you!

 

Have a great day and may all your days be blessed.

 

Dad (Don)

           

 

     

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