Prayer on Thanksgiving Day
"Heavenly Father, this is the day set aside to give You thanks for Your surpassing goodness to human beings. You have created us in Your own image and set us over Your wonderful creation. You chose a people to be Your own and to carry Your message of salvation to all people. You carried out Your redemption in Jesus Your Son, and His saving fruits are passed on to every generation to all who believe that by His Death and Resurrection Jesus has given them a new freedom in His Spirit. Let me give You proper thanks for Your blessings - those I am aware of as well as those that I habitually take for granted. And let me learn to use them according to Your Will" (New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book, p. 888).This prayer was a wonderful guide to me, my wife and children this Thanksgiving Day. We are fortunate for the work of saints who provide us these guides.May all fathers during this holiday season renew their relationships, and find an appropriate guide for their own spiritual growth.
C - First Step
My dearest, C. How thrilling it was to see you take your first step this evening before bed, while in the room that you and your sister share. Words fail me, as I see you grow so fast. It seems that I go to work, come home, and you have grown, gained strength, grew another tooth, expressed a new sound, and today, took your first step.
As Father's Day approaches, I am reminded that how I feel is similar to how God feels about us as his children. He so wants the best for us, yet allows us to grow, take our steps and determine our path with the grace He gives ever present to direct our path to him, who waits for us with open and loving arms.
My prayer is that I will be able to live up to my responsibility to be a good father to you. And, support all your steps in life with as much love as I can learn from God.
Oh, congratulations, little one, my little "dewdrop" on your first step. And, thank you, for saving it for me until I got home.
Love, Papa
As Father's Day approaches, I am reminded that how I feel is similar to how God feels about us as his children. He so wants the best for us, yet allows us to grow, take our steps and determine our path with the grace He gives ever present to direct our path to him, who waits for us with open and loving arms.
My prayer is that I will be able to live up to my responsibility to be a good father to you. And, support all your steps in life with as much love as I can learn from God.
Oh, congratulations, little one, my little "dewdrop" on your first step. And, thank you, for saving it for me until I got home.
Love, Papa
B - First Purchase: Chocolate Chip Cookies
What a delight, after having a Subway vegetarian sandwich with you for lunch today, you decided it was time for the usual chocolate chip cookies. At first, you said, "Buy it, papa..." Not wanting to miss this opportunity, I gave you $5.00 and encouraged you to get in line and make your own purchase.
As you coyly walked up to the line, assessing what you were about to do, your pace slowed. Then, you stopped, did an aboutface, and ran back to me and said, "I too shy..." with that cute little tilt of the head as commonly seen in your photos.
I said with a smile and shrug of the shoulders, "Then I guess you don't get any cookies today..." Well, that steadied your nerves, and off to get in line you went. You waited for a few moments patiently, with $5.00 in hand, as each customer made his or her purchase. As you approached the counter, the lady was quite nice in trying to help you decide if you wanted chocolate chip or "some with M&Ms?" At that point, I could see you needed a little help and stepped in, stood behind you and helped to clarify your wish.
You took two chocolate chip cookies, tried very hard to reach the coin return for your change by standing on your toes, still to no avail, and were satisfied to let me retrieve the change and smiled brightly to receive three one-dollar bills from the clerk instead.
One cookie for me and one for you. Life couldn't get any better for you or for me.
I will always remember that moment. The moment was priceless.
Thank you, Lord for chocolate chip cookies.
As you coyly walked up to the line, assessing what you were about to do, your pace slowed. Then, you stopped, did an aboutface, and ran back to me and said, "I too shy..." with that cute little tilt of the head as commonly seen in your photos.
I said with a smile and shrug of the shoulders, "Then I guess you don't get any cookies today..." Well, that steadied your nerves, and off to get in line you went. You waited for a few moments patiently, with $5.00 in hand, as each customer made his or her purchase. As you approached the counter, the lady was quite nice in trying to help you decide if you wanted chocolate chip or "some with M&Ms?" At that point, I could see you needed a little help and stepped in, stood behind you and helped to clarify your wish.
You took two chocolate chip cookies, tried very hard to reach the coin return for your change by standing on your toes, still to no avail, and were satisfied to let me retrieve the change and smiled brightly to receive three one-dollar bills from the clerk instead.
One cookie for me and one for you. Life couldn't get any better for you or for me.
I will always remember that moment. The moment was priceless.
Thank you, Lord for chocolate chip cookies.
Nibble Nose
Many blessing, my little "nibble nose."
Love,
Papa
"Carry You, Papa?"
B,
I seldom turn you down, when you ask, "Carry you, Papa..." Usually, I reply, "I will always carry you, for as long as I am able." I realize this time is brief, so I cherish any moment for us to be close. Moments like these, along with times I can help you with a straw, or I am impressed with your existence is beyond measure.
Moments as simple as helping you with a straw engulf me at times, as I stare into your little eyes, as you innocently guide the straw to its use, which gives you so much relief from thrust, or pleasure, when we share a "Jamba Juice" together.
One night, I mentioned, a comet could not impress me as does your life.
Thank you, Father in heaven, for B...
I seldom turn you down, when you ask, "Carry you, Papa..." Usually, I reply, "I will always carry you, for as long as I am able." I realize this time is brief, so I cherish any moment for us to be close. Moments like these, along with times I can help you with a straw, or I am impressed with your existence is beyond measure.
Moments as simple as helping you with a straw engulf me at times, as I stare into your little eyes, as you innocently guide the straw to its use, which gives you so much relief from thrust, or pleasure, when we share a "Jamba Juice" together.
One night, I mentioned, a comet could not impress me as does your life.
Thank you, Father in heaven, for B...
A Dewdrop Comes into Our Lives
Dewdrop,
When you came into the world, like your sister, you did not delay in coming. It was a joy to be there when you arrived, for both myself and your sister, "B."
While B and I stood at the head of the bed, anticipating your arrival, I wondered if B would mind being there. The nurses said it would be okay, as long as I was okay with it. B remarked, while you were just arriving, "Mommy owey?" "Yes, mommy owey," I replied.
Oh, we must not forget, your grandmother, M, was there, too. Shortly after you arrived. All of us were so happy to announce your new name, which we kept a secret (even B knew, but didn't tell anyone).
After I cut the umbilical cord, took some pictures and dressed you, that is when you got the name dewdrop. You seemed so tiny and cute, the name came naturally out of my mouth... "She's like a little dewdrop."
You are certainly an added blessing to my life, as well as our family's.
I thank God for you as our newest gift.
Much love,
Papa
When you came into the world, like your sister, you did not delay in coming. It was a joy to be there when you arrived, for both myself and your sister, "B."
While B and I stood at the head of the bed, anticipating your arrival, I wondered if B would mind being there. The nurses said it would be okay, as long as I was okay with it. B remarked, while you were just arriving, "Mommy owey?" "Yes, mommy owey," I replied.
Oh, we must not forget, your grandmother, M, was there, too. Shortly after you arrived. All of us were so happy to announce your new name, which we kept a secret (even B knew, but didn't tell anyone).
After I cut the umbilical cord, took some pictures and dressed you, that is when you got the name dewdrop. You seemed so tiny and cute, the name came naturally out of my mouth... "She's like a little dewdrop."
You are certainly an added blessing to my life, as well as our family's.
I thank God for you as our newest gift.
Much love,
Papa
Growing Closer to God
It is Saturday and we just returned home from dinner with your godparents, and your mom, after your baptism.
I am so proud to be your father, and I am sure it showed as I held you gently over the baptismal fount to have Father D. poor water over your precious head. You were dressed in a beautiful white gown, and it was made extra special by a small gold pin, which had the image of Mary Mother of Jesus, which I purchased for you, with the prayer that she will lead you to a God filled life. And, with the hope that she will continue to increase my confidence and servant's heart's desire to yield to God's leadership in my life's commitment to you and our family.
In keeping with that commitment, this morning, at 3:00 a.m., I spent time with our Lord in Eucharist Adoration until 4. It was the first time I ever contemplated, prayed, focused and listened to the Lord in such a way. I was truly blessed. It strengthened my soul, and humbled my spirit.
God could not have picked a more precious day, the day of your baptism, to commemorate my fist day in His real presence.
I love you tremendously, and I am learning daily how expansive is God's love for each of us.
May the Lord bless you, my precious daughter, and may His blessings in our family lead to his glory.
Your devoted Papa
Knock Them Over Once, Twice and Again and Again
It is so much fun to watch you first test the boxes with your little pointer finger, just to make sure they are ready to go; then, you give a great big push and topple they go.
It only takes me a few seconds to restack them for you, once, twice and again and again.
What joy!
The Joy Continues
Between 10 1/2 and 11 months, you found out you can cruise around the coffee table, and I would chase you! You could muster enough strength to go around no more than four times. Then, you'd wait for me to catch you, scoop you up and give your all the hugs and kisses you could handle.
Waiving was exciting for you. You seemed so amazed that others would respond with a similar gesture, as you took your little hand and moved it slowly and sloppily from side-to-side in a semi-circular motion.
I was equally amazed to watch you stand in the kitchen and pull out any thing that was in the lower door. Both your mom and I would return the contents only to have you empty the door over and over again.
The joy continues, moment by moment...
I am Moved
Since you've been in my life, my darling little daughter, there is nothing else I need to make me happy.
I see your little toes, and I am moved...
I see your smile and the way you look at me, and again I am moved...
You are standing now with the aid of some nearby object. And, usually that is with a good grip onto the kitchen chair, or the coffee table in the living room..
Or, if I'm lucky, you will find my pant leg the best place to finish as you find yourself tired from all this work; then look up at me and motion with your eyes for me to take you into my arms.
As you rock slowly back and forth, one side to the other, steadying yourself and trying to figure out how to stand on your own two feet, I feel I am doing the same emotionally.
I wish I could be the perfect dad for you, but I am not. I am only moved to be your father...
I look forward to our time once again tomorrow, first greeting you with your "Daily 5" (a kiss on the forehead, then on your chin, next on your check and then the other, and to finish with one on your little nose), followed by breakfast, reading, play and "nappy time". By then, our day is well underway and then adventures await us both...
Love,
Papa
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