There are moments in this game called life that hurt, leaving the emotions wanting for something far better than the wounds we endure.

There are other moments where the gearshift seems to be lodged in neutral, giving one a sense they are neither coming nor going.

Finally, there are moments in the human experience that take our breath away, those instants leaving us wanting for words to speak as we soak in the silence of a slice of time labeled the present.

Outwardly we may be subdued; inwardly we shout, Awesome!

Such a moment came to me yesterday, one where I was inwardly shouting,  Awesome!

We received word that our oldest daughter Jessica, was off to the hospital to give birth to her second child.

Rewind the clock thirty two years plus one day when she entered our lives as our firstborn child, one of three precious gifts, all girls, who became our children.

This day Jessica was going to get the best belated birthday gift an expectant Mama can receive.

After completing our respective work days, Jackie and I took to the road to make the nearly three hour trip to a suburban Philadelphia hospital to be present for the birth of another grandchild.

After all, Gammy and Papa had to be present for this child’s arrival much like we were present for the birth of the big sister, Danalyn, three years plus ago and for the arrival of cousin Naomi,  turn the clock back a year and a half ago.

Certain moments in time do not come every day, ones we consider sacred.

These moments are stamps in eternity that allow us to reflect on how truly special life is; the birth of a baby to be called a grandchild.

As we traveled, I whispered prayers for a safe delivery for Mom and child. Tears began to form in my eyes, clouding my view of the highway, as I reflected back to our own birth-day experiences with our daughters.

The day was chilly and overcast, turned rainy.

About an hour before we arrived at the hospital, our car rolled down the turnpike when the sun broke through the clouds with brilliant rays of light splashing the Pocono mountain range in the distance.

Jackie had a sense that the baby was born or was about to be.  Women have a special gift called intuition.  Her sense was pretty close to the mark, give a few minutes.

The family tree now has a new branch, a tender shoot.

Garrett Jeffrey was welcomed into this world at 4:27 p.m. on January 15, 2014.

According to his Dad, Jeffrey, the derivation of the child’s name means Peaceful Warrior.

To me, it could not be a more perfect name and one that describes the nature of his Maker.

As much as I treasure the birth and lives of our three daughters, there is a spot in a father’s heart that desires a son.

Although he is not my own child, he is a generation removed and a boy who will grow to be a man is now present on our family tree!

Back in the 1980’s, when President Reagan was dealing with the Soviet’s on nuclear disarmament, the phrase trust but verify became prominent.

I took the new Mommy and Daddy at their word.  However, the phrase trust but verify swirled in my mind as we later watched the nurse give him his first bath.  I had to verify.

The kid has got what it takes, he has man parts!  A boy!

As I held him for the first time, warm tears rolled down my cheeks.

At times like this I get reflective.  Outwardly I was silent, allowing my thoughts to marinate on the blessedness of holding him.

Inwardly I could only think of one word – Awesome!

Welcome to the family, son!

Mommy and baby BOY are doing well!

Thanks for allowing me to share this moment with you, it is much appreciated!