Happy Birthday, Tehya

photo credit Beatriz Photography and Design

How can I describe the moment of conception within our hearts, the moment we heard we were to become grandparents?  The thrill of expectation, the reality of moving on and the apprehension of preparedness are not unlike the feeling of expecting your first baby. It becomes about a love for someone you don't even know, but forever part of you. A tiny babe wrapped tight, held in the crook of a young father's arm or lying against it's mother's breast - pure innocence come down from heaven.

It was ten years ago, on August 11th, that we got the call to come and see "baby Tehya". It was summer-time and everyone was home. Everyone at that time, was Papa and me, the baby-crazy auntie Kristal and the proud uncle Ben, just back from New Zealand. We all rushed to the hospital, almost tripping over each other.

We held you . . . delighted in your first smiles and giggles and, eventually, your determination to pull yourself up on the toy-box. We reached out our arms to catch you in your first faltering steps . . . shared your first delights at the scent of flowers and the taste of grapes . . . picked plums and ate them. We sang in the car . . . rocked you to sleep in the park . . . splashed in the pool . . .  bundled you up and took you out to catch snowflakes. We went swinging in the park . . . read stories and played peek-a-boo . . . all this, while your mom and dad prepared to go overseas. We filled up during the first two years, to drink from for years to come. There were times I was afraid to love, knowing it would hurt when you’d leave.

But far away . . . was never far away from our thoughts . . . and when we saw a beautiful girl come running toward us at the airport . . . whether it was here or there . . .  I saw God’s grace unfold . . . a grace He bestowed over and over. We celebrated often. It did not matter what month it was . . . we’d put up a tree. We celebrated with parcels, lovingly and carefully packed, then vicariously opened, doubling the joy. You entertained us on the phone with beautiful, descriptive language . . . my favourite being when you were six years old, and you informed us that when you are in the shade you look like you are ten.

Tehya, today you not only look ten, but you are ten years old, growing into a beautiful young lady with a tender heart. You think about how others feel and you do something about it. Your confidence is a strength that God has given you to bless others with. We are so proud of you, the one who first made us Papa and Grammy. Your beautiful smile makes us smile and we pray the sunshine of God’s love and favour rests on you.

With all our love,
Papa and Grammy