Celebrating the First Year of Graham Kelly’s Life

                                                                                                                                                                               

My wife and I had the pleasure of spending this past weekend at the home of our daughter, Jennica, and son-in-law, Tyler, the special occasion being our first grandson’s first birthday.  We were in town a year ago as a result of receiving word that Jennica’s water had broke, that she was being admitted to the hospital, and that she was not coming back home without a baby.   We decided to get some rest and make the long highway journey the next day, leaving at 8:30 AM.   We arrived at the hospital at 4:30 PM, and got to see Jennica and Tyler before the contractions had progressed too far.  Besides waiting for Graham to arrive, we saw the final round of a golf tournament won by Phil Mickelson and most of the Super Bowl (Ravens vs. 49ers), both quite entertaining.  But we didn’t get to see the end of the Super Bowl (and didn’t care) because Graham was born about 8:30 PM and we got to see him about 9:00 PM.  It was a blessing to see and hold him within an hour of his birth, and to celebrate with his mother and dad.  There were two particularly special moments I remember most.  The first followed a text that Tyler’s mom received not too far from the delivery that led us to hold hands and pray for Graham’s safe arrival.  The second upon seeing the look of joy, weariness and awe that was all over Tyler’s face when he came out to tell us that Graham had safely arrived!

Graham was dedicated to God at his church in September last year, an event that we participated in with family and the congregation.  That dedication was followed by a celebration luncheon prepared by his mother and father for quite a few family members and friends.  I prayed at his luncheon that we, family and friends, would all seek to be a blessing to Graham as he grows.  This little one is a part of two families that will have a positive influence on him – his family and God’s family. 

This long weekend with has given us the chance to see Graham in his home environment.  This photo captures his happiness, and gives clues as to some of the many things make him happy.  He enjoys feeding himself with the many types of finger foods – strawberries, cheese, turkey, Cherrios, watermelon and other tiny delights his mother and dad feed him now.  Most of the time, Graham actually eats his food rather than throwing it overboard to his dog, Murphy.  He also enjoys holding, throwing, pushing, placing and doing various things with balls of the size shown here.   

Our celebration of Graham’s birthday included all the typical fun and food s, presents and cake which were enjoyed by all (a big shout out to mother and dad for putting on a great meal and birthday cake).  Although I enjoyed all the foods and family the best part for me was holding the wiggly child and saying a prayer of thanks to God for Graham Kelly’s first year.