Taken before they left for the hospital
Life offers a few endearing moments that take your breath away. It is when there are no words that adequately describe the depth of the emotion you’re feeling.
Today was one of those days, and all I can do is cry.
A few months ago I finished the third draft of an historical novel I’ve been writing for over 12 years. It’s based on the life of my grandmother whom I wrote about yesterday. My main purpose in capturing her story was so my children and grandchildren would know her and her amazing story even though she died decades ago.
The beginning of the year I gave a draft to my daughter to read, and she was blown away. Not by my writing skills, mind you, but because of what I’m about to tell you. She was pregnant with her third child at the time. She and her husband had decided not to find out what they were having since they already had a girl and a boy. One night she had a dream that they were having a girl. They named her Stella Grace. Imagine her surprise when she picked up my book and discovered my grandmother’s name was Grace Stella. She had heard the name Grace before, but never her middle name.
From that moment I hoped, I prayed she would have a girl. But all the while I knew it was God’s decision not mine for the sex of the baby had already been determined.
Today I held Stella Grace in my arms for the first time.
It was like the Lord was sealing the completion of my book with a very special gift. I felt His arms holding me as I held her saying, well done. <tears>
So I want to pause today and thank my daughter and son-in-love for giving me a moment, a gift I will cherish for the rest of my life.
The best part? This moment is just the beginning of getting to know this precious little girl and enjoying the privilege of loving her the way a Nana should.
Now to start writing Stella’s special song from Nana–a tradition I’ve kept with each grandchild. I already know the tune, so I’m certain the words will come.
Have you had moments like this that you know you’ll never forget?
The Romantic Vineyard 
Many congrats!!!! God is so amazing! When we were in the middle of adopting our first daughter, I had tossed around the idea of her middle name being Jane, my grandmother’s name… but I wasn’t sure how that would work, since I also wanted to keep part of her Chinese name as well. When we finally found out who our daughter would be, we discovered that her Chinese name is Jiang. Not quite Jane, but certainly close!!
God bless your new granddaughter and her family!!!
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Nicole,
I love this. What a moment I’m sure you’ll never forget when you found out her Chinese name was so close. Amazing.
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Awesome. I love personal stories like this one that give glory to our most wonderful God. I recently found a third greatgrandmothers name in some geneology research I was doing. Her name was also Pamela. Then I found out we shared the same birthdate. Some how it made me feel a close tie with her even though no one else living ever knew her. Can’t t wait till your book is out. PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
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How cool, Pam. Knowing your family history is such a blessing isn’t it? I will be sure to let you know about the book. I’ll be shouting it from the housetops.
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So very happy for you my friend!
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Sheree,
You are sweet. So glad I made it up here in time, and she went completely natural with no Petocin or other stuff. She’s feeling great!
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That’s awesome to hear she had a natural birth! Glad to hear everything went well and you made it on time!
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Thanks, Danielle. I shared your comments with our daughter, and she’s going to start following your blog. She and her husband love to cook too. She loved your watermelon smoothies. 🙂 It sounds so refreshing.
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Isn’t grandparenting wonderful? such love. Congratulations.
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Thank you, Sharon. Grandparenting IS the best!!
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Congratulations!! I loved your beautiful story:)
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Thank you A.J. That means so much to us.
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This is so lovely Debi!
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Thanks for encouraging Tracy, Lisa. I’m so grateful she didn’t need to do any of the extra things. What a fast, miraculous delivery.
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Congratulations!! Amazing testimony to God’s goodness.
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Thank you, Scott. Good is good!
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Mazal tov. Holding one’s child- or grandchild- for the first (and, dare I say it, subsequent) times is a treasure the Supreme Being affords us – but, not too often…
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Amen, Roy. We are blessed to have done this three times with our children, and so far five times with our grands. “The Lord has done great things for us. We are glad.” Psalm 126:3 ESV
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I am rejoicing with you, my friend. Once again I’m amazed at how God orchestrates moments like these and ties them together with such a pretty bow. Love you. Welcome Stella Grace!
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I’m amazed as well. It has been quite the 24 hours trying to absorb it all. God has been so kind to me, and what a gift this little girl is to me. Love her. And the rest of her family too. Thanks Bonnie.
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Debi, As I see these pictures of you and your “kids” and precious grandkids, it’s like there is love bubbling out everywhere. I can almost feel the embrace of love coming out from your pictures and all you write about this. Steve and I are “oohing” and “aahing” over these sweet pictures. What fun!
We’ll be visiting our “kids” and grandkids in a few weeks in Kenya. We’re meeting up with them there (as you know, they live in Korea) and will spend about 2 and a half precious weeks with them –trying to drink in every moment. What a gift these precious children are to our lives. We’ve so, so glad that you and Tom are able to have sweet moments like you describe with your family. Your “kids” and grandkids are very blessed to have you both in their lives to love them and care for them and lavish them with love. We’re thrilled for you and Tom!!! Congratulations!!!
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We’re so excited that you are going to visit your grandchildren soon. I hope you’ll take lots of pictures. Let us know when you’re actually traveling so we can be praying for your trip.
God has been so very good to us, and not a day goes by when we don’t realize this truth.
We love you,
Tom and Debi
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