Betsy,
Your mother asked
me if she could have a picture of Parker to put in the frame that has sat on
our coffee table since you and Zach first came over with the news that we were
about to become grandparents. The frame that, until now, held the
‘peanut’ picture that said everything with the simple word, “Hello.”
While the image and
the single word had its own impact, it wasn’t until we read the words on the
frame, “Already sweet, already perfect, already loved,” did we truly understand
how much our world was about to change.
You and Zach, of
course, already were aware of the effects that were taking place in your own
worlds.
It wasn’t hard for
me to figure out what picture to put in the frame. I could have easily
picked a hundred images of this precious girl whose eyes will look back at the
viewer and capture their heart.
But it dawned on
me, as I turned over the frame and went to undo the mounts that held the
picture in place, which the first time they were undone was to put in a picture
of an ultrasound.
And I wondered what
thoughts were going through your mind as you nervously slid the black and white
image up against the glass. I can’t imagine what emotions must have
embraced the two of you – knowing that this would be how you told both sets of
parents that you were about to have a baby.
I can only wish
now, that whatever doubts, fears and anxiety you held as you closed the picture
frame and wiped the glass clean, are replaced with the joy, happiness and love
of being new parents.
I’m quite sure the
doubts, fears and anxiety are still there, but tempered by knowing you’ve
brought a beautiful, healthy girl into the world that truly is sweet, perfect
and loved.
Hello, Parker…I’m Pappy!