My three nephews were unexpectedly, suddenly taken from me 7 weeks ago. The youngest was 4 months. We already had so many sweet memories together - my favorite of which was spending a night with him wrapped to me because he needed to sleep upright. I felt like I could have sat there listening to him breathing for another 8 hours. He never knew life without me in it, and now he may never know who I am. While my heart is more broken than I ever thought possible at the loss of my boys, they cracked me open with a love I didn’t know I was capable of. I don’t regret it.
Beautiful, each generation with something to bring to the table, from the wisdom and experience and preparation of the older generations to your bright bittersweet harvest to the delight and hope of a new baby. So glad you got to go and spend time with them!
Jeff, this post really touched my heart. Babies are so special, and the time of holding them on our chests while they sleep so fleeting. I have my own children, but my nieces and nephews are also very special to me, and I never pass up a chance to hold a baby. Blessings to you and your family.
Jeff, this was beautiful and I felt with you the grace and miracle of a new life. It's like humans made right, just as God intended: before the world comes and the battle starts: peaceful, kind, fully present, flexible, expressive, totally dependent on others to survive. No masking, no "I don't need anyone" deceit, just pure joy, growth and grace when in a nurturing environment. Just as the most beautiful natural creations.
Congratulations and a basket full of the fruit of the spirit for you and your family!
My son became a father for the first time last September. Because they live in Taiwan (and we're in Iowa), we've not met in person. But my sweet grandson smiles when he sees us on our weekly video chats, and my heart swells. I am so grateful for technology, and so looking forward to the day we can meet face to face. I love watching my son father his son.
You perfectly described what I call "baby therapy". Babies, especially newborns, have a way of putting life in perspective and completely calming my soul.
Thanks again Jeff for putting into beautiful words your thoughts on life as uncle. I love the peek into your life because it causes me to think about my life and family and cooking and being a grandma and and and. All of this is going on in my life too and yet sometimes I don’t take the time to savor and write about it. So thank you for writing for all of us. And I love this line. “ But in these strange and gloomy days, I’ll take the wonder where I can get it. ”. Enjoy your Garden!
Congratulations on becoming an uncle to such a sweet and beautiful little one. I’ve learned many things from my children and my nieces and nephews, but most recently what I remember is a quote from Emily P. Freeman - “They are still becoming… and so am I.” It has been so helpful.
Uncles (and Aunties) are so important. It really does “take a village.” I love how you love your family.
I never had children, my choice. But I have many nieces and nephews. I love them so much. It has such a pleasure to watch them grow up and become the amazing adults they are. I can still see the little babies I snuggled in each of them...and now I get to snuggle some of their babies 💗
Hi Jeff. I have been meaning to write to you for some time now. I first met you and Tristan (an or en?) at the ACP when you presented the Thurber lecture and preached. My husband Dan was the visiting pastor and we lived at the end of the hall.
Your “lecture” is the one that stayed with me throughout our year there. Your storytelling style touched my heart. And I continue to enjoy your writing and podcast Evolving Faith.
Dan and I (Fran) have just returned to ACP. There are quite a few changes here as has occurred at many churches worldwide because of the pandemic.
Perhaps there will be an opportunity for you to return. If not, we will catch you preaching in MI sometime when we return home.
My three nephews were unexpectedly, suddenly taken from me 7 weeks ago. The youngest was 4 months. We already had so many sweet memories together - my favorite of which was spending a night with him wrapped to me because he needed to sleep upright. I felt like I could have sat there listening to him breathing for another 8 hours. He never knew life without me in it, and now he may never know who I am. While my heart is more broken than I ever thought possible at the loss of my boys, they cracked me open with a love I didn’t know I was capable of. I don’t regret it.
Beautifully said ... lucky girl to have you for an Uncle ... all the best.
Beautiful, each generation with something to bring to the table, from the wisdom and experience and preparation of the older generations to your bright bittersweet harvest to the delight and hope of a new baby. So glad you got to go and spend time with them!
Jeff, this post really touched my heart. Babies are so special, and the time of holding them on our chests while they sleep so fleeting. I have my own children, but my nieces and nephews are also very special to me, and I never pass up a chance to hold a baby. Blessings to you and your family.
Jeff, this was beautiful and I felt with you the grace and miracle of a new life. It's like humans made right, just as God intended: before the world comes and the battle starts: peaceful, kind, fully present, flexible, expressive, totally dependent on others to survive. No masking, no "I don't need anyone" deceit, just pure joy, growth and grace when in a nurturing environment. Just as the most beautiful natural creations.
Congratulations and a basket full of the fruit of the spirit for you and your family!
Lina
My son became a father for the first time last September. Because they live in Taiwan (and we're in Iowa), we've not met in person. But my sweet grandson smiles when he sees us on our weekly video chats, and my heart swells. I am so grateful for technology, and so looking forward to the day we can meet face to face. I love watching my son father his son.
You perfectly described what I call "baby therapy". Babies, especially newborns, have a way of putting life in perspective and completely calming my soul.
Thanks again Jeff for putting into beautiful words your thoughts on life as uncle. I love the peek into your life because it causes me to think about my life and family and cooking and being a grandma and and and. All of this is going on in my life too and yet sometimes I don’t take the time to savor and write about it. So thank you for writing for all of us. And I love this line. “ But in these strange and gloomy days, I’ll take the wonder where I can get it. ”. Enjoy your Garden!
Congratulations on becoming an uncle to such a sweet and beautiful little one. I’ve learned many things from my children and my nieces and nephews, but most recently what I remember is a quote from Emily P. Freeman - “They are still becoming… and so am I.” It has been so helpful.
Uncles (and Aunties) are so important. It really does “take a village.” I love how you love your family.
I never had children, my choice. But I have many nieces and nephews. I love them so much. It has such a pleasure to watch them grow up and become the amazing adults they are. I can still see the little babies I snuggled in each of them...and now I get to snuggle some of their babies 💗
Hi Jeff. I have been meaning to write to you for some time now. I first met you and Tristan (an or en?) at the ACP when you presented the Thurber lecture and preached. My husband Dan was the visiting pastor and we lived at the end of the hall.
Your “lecture” is the one that stayed with me throughout our year there. Your storytelling style touched my heart. And I continue to enjoy your writing and podcast Evolving Faith.
Dan and I (Fran) have just returned to ACP. There are quite a few changes here as has occurred at many churches worldwide because of the pandemic.
Perhaps there will be an opportunity for you to return. If not, we will catch you preaching in MI sometime when we return home.