There's a Baby Among Us

What happened here on January 9th was not statistically significant. It happened 352,755 times around the world on the same day. So, this one event is but a drop in the bucket, if you go by the numbers. But for me, and the people closest to me, it was a unique and special event- and one we will remember and celebrate for all our days. On this particular January 9th our daughter gave birth to her daughter, Kaya.

Kaya came into the world as a completely healthy, beautiful baby girl. She is a fortunate child because her parents gave her the best care, even in the months before she was born. On the day of her birth she was delivered peacefully in the finest of medical facilities, lovingly attended to by family and the best medical  professionals anyone could ask for. Her grandmother was only a few feet away and witnessed her birth and her first breath- a fitting link in the lineage of great women who have come before her. She was placed in the arms of her mother and father, two people who planned for her and wanted her very much. As that day went on, this new baby among us was visited by family members from both her mother's and her father's side of the family. Later in the afternoon, her big brother came to join the family and saw for the first time this mysterious person his mom and dad told him would be joining the family. He touched her head and then got to hold her, taking note of every aspect of her. She was welcomed by all who saw her. She was also the cause of countless calls, texts, and pictures transmitted far and wide to announce her presence in the world.

This was a proud and happy day in our family. The arrival of this new grandchild was not just a moment to celebrate and cherish her, but for me it was also a time to reflect on all the children in our family. Kaya is our fifth grandchild, but I can recall the moments just as vividly at the arrival of each of the other grandchildren. For that matter, I can recall each moment in the births of my two daughters as if it were yesterday. There is nothing truly special about that. No doubt, most of us can remember the details of our childrens' birth. It is good we do, because to reflect on those events is to know what is most important in life.

The birth of a child reminds us that our primary purpose is to pass on life, and to help that new life grow and develop to their full potential. This activity has been occurring as part of our nature since the first of our ancestors began to evolve eons ago. It predates, and outlives all other activities of man. So, in a world that has become so complex for us in the "civilized" portion of this planet, the simple birth of a child is a perfect reminder that this is what we are here for. Countries, cultures, borders, politics, religions, and empires have all been vagrants moving through time in this world. And throughout all that time this one act, of bringing a child into the world, has remained the same. I think that is a remarkable thing.

Kaya now joins Zoe, Micah, Ben and Jaydn as our family's contribution to this generation. They also join the millions of other children who will next manage the world when we're gone. These children are particularly fortunate to be born here. Our country is wealthy by comparison to many other places where it's a struggle to merely survive. They are fortunate because they were born to good (dare I say, great) parents. Many children are born to lesser parents- people plagued by their weaknesses and troubles. They are fortunate because they will get an excellent education and hopefully use their education to further improve their community and their world. But I'm mindful that we, the older generations, aren't done yet. We still have a responsibility to these young people-to all these babies among us.

Our responsibility to do our best to leave them the best world we can. I'm afraid our values seem to be drifting away from what is best about mankind. I hope that before we leave these children a world that needs too much repair, we do our best to work for justice, economic and social; and we decide to finally preserve the environment and work to sustain the planet for them, instead of squandering its riches. I hope that when they grow up, the issues of genocide, terror and torture will be things of the past. But if we can't accomplish all these things for them, I'm still optomistic. I'm optomistic because throughout history people have always risen to meet challenges. Difficult times always produce the talent needed for the times. Kaya, her brother,  and her cousins will surely be part of that effort.

We couldn't be happier than to have this baby among us. She will be a joy for all of us, as are all our  grandchildren. Their parents will someday be just as proud when they welcome grandchildren to the world. She is a the realization of the future and all the wonder it holds.

Thanks for looking in.