A Baby Changes Everything.

Reverend Jan asked if I would like to share a couple words at the Christmas Eve Service on how having a baby impacted my life, in the midst of losing Alec.  I was honored and flattered and found it to be one of the easiest things I had ever written (good thing because I wrote it at 3:25 and church was at 4:00).  The theme of the night was "A Baby Changes Everything"  The Faith Hill song that I happen to love.  I thought I would share.  What made this even more special, as I was finishing, Chase wondered up to the pulpit, brought me an angel he had made at the kids table, I picked him up and he said into the microphone "Merry Christmas!" and what made us all burst into laughter was as we were walking down he let out a very loud, clear (and very fake!) "AHHHH CHOOOO!!!  God, thank you for this Child!  

A Baby Changes Everything.

Never a day goes by when I don’t thank the lord for sending my son.  It was a miracle, in the wake of my husband’s illness and the challenges we faced that we were able to have a baby. A true miracle. 

In the aftermath of my husband’s death I had a 5 month old who depended on me…however, as time went on, it became evident to me that I needed, that we all needed this baby.  This baby, who is now a talkative, tumbling two year old boy has brought more joy and laughter and smiles, than I ever could have imagined.  He has made our dark days light; he has taught us all to believe.  Maybe it is his innocence, his sense of wonder, his appetite for life, his hugs that can melt your heart, or maybe it is his undeniable resemblance to his Daddy, or maybe it is just as the song goes, a Baby Changes Everything. 

A baby is Hope, Joy, Love.  A baby teaches us to love on a whole new level, even when you thought you may never love again.  A baby brings families together, a baby reminds us all that despite great sadness and loss, life goes on and it is still wonderful.

I follow this child of God…I pause beside him to marvel at the beautiful sunset he sees, I kneel down beside him as he smells each spring flower that grows, I follow him down trails that I normally wouldn't take, I splash in the waves and dance in the rain along with him…to see the world through the eyes of a child…there is no greater gift.

And tonight I remember my two precious nieces, Annie and Bella.  Who were born too soon, but just long enough for us to kiss their sweet foreheads and whisper I love yous, before they were sent back to heaven. The impact these little girls had on my life...it is indescribable.  Again, a baby changes everything. 

And I thank The Lord, for giving me the most precious gift of all, his Child…our baby Chase….

In the words of Faith Hill...

My whole life has turned around

I was lost but now I'm found

A baby changes everything.