Sunday, February 26, 2017

The Gift of a Child

Eighteen years ago, I met this sweet baby, my son Max. Michael was the first to hold him, do everything for him. I managed to take a picture from my bed a few hours later of my two loves. We were in the hospital for two weeks because of ABO-blood incompatibility. Max was severely jaundiced. Even when we came home, he had to be on bili-lights for the first month. He avoided having to have a blood transfusion in the nick of time. But after a difficult start, he thrived, tripling his birth weight in just 6 months. He was such a roly-poly baby I thought I'd have a baby elephant on my hands. Thankfully he slowed down and I was glad when he learned to walk because he was getting too heavy for me to carry about. And then along came Dagny ... and Max has been a very good big brother.     






 


 




 Image may contain: 3 people Image may contain: 7 people, people smiling, people standing and outdoor

Max is a strapping young man now, ready to leave the nest thanks to God's abundant blessings. We are grateful for all our wonderful relatives, teachers, coaches, priests, and friends in his life who've helped him develop his various talents. Michael and I feel like Tevye and Golde as we sing Sunrise, Sunset and reflect upon the great gift God has given us in Max. Swiftly fly the years. One season following another, laden with happiness and tears. My dear Max, I pray always you grow closer to Jesus, discern your vocation, and do God's holy will with joy. Happy Birthday Max! God bless you and make you a saint! I love you more than you'll ever know. Mom.

 

8 comments:

Barbara Etlin said...

Happy birthday to Max! Has he decided where he's headed next year?

Mirka Breen said...

My mom told me she liked the name Max because "it's the kid who always comes up on top." I never knew why she said it, except to hint she's like us to name ours Max. (We didn't.) Your post reminded me of this, and then some.
Happy blessed day to Max and his family!

Vijaya said...

Barb, thank you. Max will go to Ave Maria, a small, traditional Catholic college. He wants to study history, politics and literature, be a learned man.

Mirka, thank you. Your mom sounds right. I always thought Max is the kind of kid you could have a blast with and it's held true. I wanted to name him Maximum Bodach but Michael said no, so he's just Max :)

Ruth Schiffmann said...

How blessed Max is to be part of such a loving family. Happy Birthday to him and congratulations to you and your husband for raising such a fine young man.

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Max! You are a very kind hearted and respectful (not to mention handsome! Congrats on your college pick.

Vijaya said...

Thank you, Ruth. I find it amazing how God gives us just the right children to raise and vice versa.

Hi Deb, it's nice to see you here. Thank you for the good wishes. I hope you and Anton and the children are doing well and thriving.

janlcoates said...

Nice collection of photos/memories. You will miss him...

Vijaya said...

Thank you Jan. Yes, indeed, I will miss him. I am grateful he has a younger sister :)