Waiting for Timothy: March 2005 to November 2005

My beloved son, Timothy:

Long before you came along, your mother and I wanted children. We believed in the promises of God and considered it an honor to be parents, if that was God’s plan for us. You were to be our firstborn, after a long wait.

Once we found out that you were on the way, those first nine months seemed to pass so slowly. We talked to you, played music, and sang to you with the knowledge that you were developing. Julie tried to eat the right stuff, sleep, read, and tell me all about what she was learning. We had lively discussions on parenting styles.

On August 31, our doctor said that we were expecting a boy. We were eager to meet you. Just over a month later, on October 1, we purchased a lot in town, where we wanted to one day, God willing, build our home.

On the evening of October 14, we went to hear the UniNorte symphony orchestra. I remember that Julie smiled as you kicked her when the drums were played. It was as if you were saying, "Let me help the orchestra. I am alive and already understand music." We had dinner after the symphony to celebrate your impending arrival and our last month without kids.

Our journal entry of November 12 says that we spent the afternoon hanging curtains and decorating your little room. Your crib was ready, and you were due within the week. We wanted so badly for you to be born. During that last month, relatives would call and wonder, "Is Timothy here? Don’t keep us in suspense." Several ultrasounds showed that you were a healthy, developing boy. We prayed for your health, for your future, for wisdom to raise you, and for you to prosper in all areas of life.

On November 22, we checked into the hospital at 4pm and got our room reserved. Since Julie and I both had birthdays on the 22nd, I wanted you to be born on that day, too; that way, it would be simple for me to remember your birthday. But you had your own identity and timing, and God had a specific plan for you. The next day, at 5:15am, Julie gave me the word: "My water broke." A long day began. Julie did awesome, and you arrived via natural birth at 3:15pm on November 23, 2005.

I was allowed into the delivery room to witness your birth and will never forget those tense, painful, yet life-giving moments when you opened your eyes, busted out your first sound, and began your life outside of the womb. My life had been changed: I was the proud father of a healthy boy. My journey on this earth with you, Timothy, had officially begun, and the future was ahead of us.

On the 25th, about 48 hours after your birth, we brought you home. Julie was so strong. Her pain turned into dancing. It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. Our anticipation was now a reality.

To be continued . . . Timothy’s life, birth to age 1.