Babies change our hearts and make us understand that we do really experience miracles. As we watch these little ones grow we begin to understand what keeps this old, old world turning. It helps us to appreciate the fact, that the cycle of life is a magnificent process to watch.
I don't have any children of my own but I have the joy of sharing in milestones and happenings in my dear nephew and niece's lives. These two have kept my attention for quite sometime and as life continues to happen to them I am so proud to be able to be a part of their lives.
In the last few years friends that I grew up with have begun to start their families. Boys and girls that I passed notes to and ran around the play ground with, are having children of their own. So the cycle begins again. It's almost like the first scene in Disney's Lion King - having a child gives you the right to share the world with someone else. Parents are afforded the privilege of opening the doors of this world for a little one. How cool!
But should these children never sleep beneath your roof permanently doesn't mean that you don't get to take part in the process. I try to follow the examples of the great people in my life that did not have children. Continuing to have interest in my sister's children's lives and trying to be there to help when that is something that I can offer. The aunts and uncles that don't have children become spoilers too and I have benefited from that. People that read this blog might ask: Jonathon what have you not benefited from? So I smile - knowing that life has been good to me.
In the timeless song: What a Wonderful World, sang by many, but my favorite version being that of the Great - Louis Armstrong. There were never any truer words spoken:
"I hear babies cry...I watch them grow
They'll learn much more...than I'll ever know
And I think to myself...what a wonderful world..."
Today I spoke with a person who has two boys of her own, yet has touched so many lives over the course of hers. Ruby Hatley, fondly thought of as "Miss Ruby," has been a long time "mover and shaker" in my home town of Dawson Springs. So again I am reminded of the song by the Indigo Girls: All That We Let In. We start out so small and so innocent, learning from every hug and every lullaby. Opening our eyes to new adventures each day and growing to become players in this game that we call life. At every turn coming in contact with people like Miss Ruby, people who come into our lives only to bring goodness and wisdom. People out there to help set us on the right track . Not because it's their job or position - but because they feel the need to give and share. Maybe because of all the kind people who did the same things for them.
When we look back over our shoulders in this life it is wonderful to look back and see the faces of those who shaped our lives. I think that is a very important part of the process. Because we truly are "better off for all that we let in." When these little ones open their eyes to this world, it is important to understand that they are seeing us...without filters or prejudices or preconceived notions. They are learning from our very being. That puts value and importance into anything, to know that you are now part of the process. A road that from beginning to end is an adventure. To think of all the joy that is yours and all the times there will be to celebrate and share, to love and to guide. It's hard for me to stop thinking about this process. Even still there is no need to over think it. These people of mine come to these places in life prepared because of all the living they have already done, because of all the good love and guidance they have already received. Knowing full well that the web of family and friends will always share in their joy and happiness.
Today from as far away as Texas I smile upon these friends and family members that have already or are just about to start out on this journey. I smile to know that these warm souls will shape lives and change them. That these wonderful people that I know will be apart of that process - knowing that they have always wanted to do so. Knowing that these babies will be the center of their lives... and...so it goes. Some more of the lucky ones. Another bunch that will receive the love and guidance needed to tackle this world with a smile. The only difference being that this time we get watch - we're not going to be the ones on that tee ball field or basketball court, we're not the cheerleaders or soccer players. The spelling bees will not have words for us to spell - they are all theirs. On and on it will go...and it will be better for them than it was for us - you'll make sure of it.
Years from now when we gather, as we always do. It will be this bunch that we discuss, it will be these weddings that we attend. Sooner than later it will be their world that we live in and the cycle will repeat itself again. How cool!
Parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles, friends and strangers will smile upon your children. It's my hope for these little ones that the breezes cater to them and this world is kind. I hope that they come to know as many wonderful personalities as their parents did and I hope to be one of them. I also hope that every day on their journey they learn what a joy it is to love and to be loved. And for these parents I hope you know that I will be one of those smiles...most likely larger than some! This I know - all the best!
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