A 9/11 Blessing
(This is Scott writing)
For the past six years, I haven’t had any birthdays. 9/11’s come and go – mostly go. It just hasn’t seemed right to celebrate anything on a day when every American will remember the searing horrors of six years ago.
Lately, I've been reminded anew of life's fragility. An admired Professor recently lost her husband of many decades. Then a brilliant friend lost precious two-year-old son Jude after a tragic pool accident. He and his family now head back to Lebanon, where ironically, I pray they can find peace and "home." My own long-time mentor is facing a serious heart surgery soon; he has too many much needed books, from Jefferson to Iran, yet to write!
Yet I met a sweet little angel just a few hours ago who already has changed my outlook on life, and 9/11 in particular. Her name is Jessica Anne Harrop, and she’s all of 7 lbs, 2 oz.
Forgive my happiness; she’s beautiful.
Jessica is also my first grand-child.
Special thanks to my son Keith and his lovely wife Rachel for such a present! Rachel is doing well, though she’s understandably very tired after a delayed and rather long delivery.
Yet it was especially considerate of Jessica to take her time – an extra week – in arriving so she could share a birthday with her… hey, what am I now?
A grandpa? I am sooooo not ready for this. Folks think I’m not old enough; my career’s on hold; I'm not even "gray" yet.
Not to worry Jessica dear, panic attack over. You’re a bright and inspiring new Light in our lives. May our world yet be a saner and happier place with you in it.
"Consider the blameless; observe the upright; there is a future for the man - and woman - of peace." -- Psalm 37:37
Congratulations grandad.
Scott, what wonderful news. I am so glad everything went well for the delivery!
I don't think you'd even told me that Sept. 11 was your birthday, till last Sunday. I can understand it must have been hard to celebrate these past few years. But how great that Jessica now shares it with you and will take all her special links with you into the future.
So what about that future, eh? Yesterday, as my way of 'marking' 9/11, I redoubled my efforts on my book, which is intended to start sketching out a new, much more inclusive way that Americans can share the world's future with all the rest of humanity... Getting near the end, now.
But this is mainly about your fabulous news! May Jessica grow up healthy and compassionate and may her life be filled with joy!
Thanks for sharing your joy, Scott!
Congratulations to the happy parents!
And a big 'Welcome to the World' to little Jessica!
Congratulations!
Grandparenthood is far superior to parenthood! All the fun, none of the responsibility.
Enjoy.
spacial Congratulations! from me Scott wish you a Rossy new one.
Congratulations Scott.
Jessica looks like a very serene young lady and that is a very cute nightcap.
Gramps probably needed a different kind of nightcap after a weeks wait:)
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More good September news from the pacific: Algerian refugee Ahmed Zaoui has got his security clearance after waiting a mere four years.
And on a lighter note:
Did you guys up north see that some Aussie TV comedians sent a guy dressed as Osama in a limo with canadian flags right up to the APEC conference hotel in Sydney?
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22372814-5001021,00.html