2015 has come and gone in a blur. It’s quiet now, and I’m reflecting on the holiday chaos of the last couple of months. The Christmas tree has been packed up, the house has some semblance of order again. I’m content.

At the beginning of November I set my intention on thankfulness. In the quiet of each morning I determined that my prayer would consist of only gratitude. No long list of petitions or supplications would be uttered. I had no idea how this simple exercise would shift the focus of my heart in such a profound way.

Jackie’s birthday was November 4th, and so on this day it was easy to express my profound thankfulness for her. Knowing that our daughters and their husbands were coming over for dinner that night to celebrate, brought additional excitement to my meditation.

After all of the birthday presents were opened, Lauren presented her mom with a small gift bag with one last surprise.

A birthday celebration quickly turned into a full on dancefest with hugs, tears and unadulterated joy, on full display.

The next morning, my prayer of thankfulness took on new significance. As I pondered on this new and precious gift, there was a realization that even now I could speak empowering words over this child. Solomon said that the power of life and death is in words…and so I began to speak life over my grandchild.

As Thanksgiving day approached my heart was full with gratitude for my family. I love the notion that in other cultures, the father will physically speak a blessing over each of his children. The words have a profound impact on the receiver of the blessing as they are the vehicle of either life or death- a crushing of the spirit or an uplifting of the spirit.

Seated around the Thanksgiving day table, through misty eyes, I read a blessing over each of my kids, their husbands, my wife…and my grandchild.

Though each was uniquely personal, I share these particular blessings of mother and child knowing that the universe will once again find two connected souls that will hear and respond.

To Lauren – Forever my baby girl – You carry a life within you. Another heartbeat in sync with yours, getting sustenance through it’s connection to you. 10 little fingers and toes, maybe a wrinkled up nose and blonde wisps of hair. This child is, and will be, your everything. This child will make you smile, make you cry, make you belly-laugh, make you roll your eyes, make you catch your breath, make you sigh in relief, make you shake your fist, make you clap your hands, make you fully human, make you complete. You ARE blessed. You are recognized for your professional accomplishments. You find rest and security in a beautiful home. Your husband calls you friend and lover. Your family rallies to your side. But your child… your child will see your eyes first, will reach for you instinctually, will sleep to the cadence of your heartbeat, be warmed by your tender snuggles. You are a mom – now and forevermore – with all the rights and responsibilities that come with that name. Mom – speak it, embrace it, delight in it –  you are blessed by it.

 

To my Grandbaby – We’ve never met but we speak daily. Even now I speak words of encouragement, and health, and great accomplishment over you. The cosmos catches my words and directs them to your tiny ears. Your head bends toward the echo of my voice. You ARE somebody, you are special, you will make a difference in the world, you will be wise and you will be strong, in your body and in your soul. You will be blessed and you will be a blessing to others. Your grand-mommy and I, your auntie Amanda, your uncle Jay, your grandma and grandpa Watters, will be here for you. Whenever you need a safe place, a warm embrace, an understanding ear, a firm piece of advice, a new outfit, or just a friend, you can always count on us. Your mom and dad are awesome and you’re very lucky that they picked you to create. They will cherish you and bring out the very best in you. They will sacrifice to provide you with the very best that life has to offer, and when you are older, you will recognize and know that you are loved. Be blessed.

Jackie couldn’t resist getting one Christmas gift for her unborn grandchild. The front side of this blankie was embroidered “Baby Watters” but my favorite part is the back – it simply says “Before you were born, we loved you.”