LEGACIES

“…things that we heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done…. so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments….” (Psalm 78: 3,4,7) 

Our second daughter (left in picture above) with  her daddy, especially, had this little game they use to play.

Shawna: “I love you daddy”.

Dad: “I love you more”.

Shawna: “l love you most “.

Dad: “I love you all the way to the moon “.

Shawna: “But daddy, I love you all the way to the moon and back”.

Just like I fondly remember saying with my dad when I was young but mine went something like this:

“I love you daddy.”

“I love you back!”

I would spread my arms out wide and say  “I love you thisssss much”.  A hug usually followed.  

These are the moments when thought of that make one smile with delight.    

Years later, not uncommon, Jim and I found ourselves in another book store. While strolling we came across a book called “All the way to God“, by Michael Giuliano.

When we saw it, we both stopped, looked at each other and smiled. Even though our daughter was in college by then, and even though it was a children’s book, you guessed it, we just had to purchase it.

Have you ever been there? Parenthood is made up of many memories. Hopefully special times to remember between a parent and their child or children; where happy feelings come flooding in. Thoughts of our daughter with her daddy giggling to play the “I love you game” together was just one of those moments played over and over solidifying the deep love for one another over the years.

Getting this book made for a tangible way for my husband and I to pass this precious memory in history down to her. Maybe one day she would do the same for her children. Another way of saying to our daughter again, ‘we still love you’, and families are significant. Shawna is important. We love her and always will. 

Well, even if you do or do not understand what I am saying I think you get the point. This is only one example of a parent’s love for their child:.

Fast forward to present May 2017 some many moons latter, just last month. I am at my daughter’s home putting our new 11 1/2 old (at the time) twin boys, grandkids, to bed. Our daughter and her husband have a beautiful ritual in putting the boys down each night to sleep. Amazing how well the kids respond to this routine. They know what is expected and love it. Well most of the time! But you cannot beat it. Once it is over they lie down and sleep without a peep. I do not remember our 4 kids going down that easy on a regular basis, and she has two at same time.

One of the routines is reading a book or two to them before singing to them. As Shawna, my daughter, was holding the boys she read while I held the book and turned the pages. After finishing the first book and as I am ready to grab the second book I looked down on the floor and saw the exact book we had bought Shawna many years ago. 

“Awe shawna. I remember this book.” Picking it up I opened it and saw it was the actual book we had given her 8 years earlier. I begin to read what I had written on the inside of the book:

” Given 2009…..”  Pausing, I looked at Shawna, “When did you get married ? ”

“ 2010″, She said.

“So I gave you this book before you were married and you kept it ?” It was a tender moment exchanged between my daughter and I. I was touched that she had kept it all these years. 

I continued reading…

” Given 2009. To Shawna O’Neill,  from her parents in remembrance of those special moments you and your daddy shared. Hopefully one day we will be able to read this to our grandchildren. We love you all the way to the moon and back. We love you all the way to God.” 

As  the date and words sank in I realized I was living out a dream that seemed so far off and was now reality. I paused at the date and the realization I was now here with the very grandkids that did not exist before but only a lovely thought, which seemed so far off then, but was now here.  I turned and looked at my daughter. The room was dim, time seemed to stand still. My daughter’s eyes caught mine and she smiled. If a look could say a thousand words it did to both of us. A special divine moment shared between my daughter and myself.

Tears streamed down my face “Aweeee Shawna ” was all I could say again.  She smiled with such understanding. Our little girl was all grown up with so much wisdom and understanding.  I couldn’t be prouder. But that is not all she said……

“Mom, would you like to read this as their second book tonight “?  

“God you are so Good. Thank you!” This is the stuff of legacies……

Personal Reflections:  Anything in the story speak to you? What legacies do you want to pass onto your kids? What special memory or memories can you remember with your Father or Mother if any that was special? Would love to hear your thought(s) in the comment section the article Legacies 

From One Pilgrim to another together on the journey,

”Consider how you may spur one another on towards love and good deeds….. encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

“ Intentionally journaling alongside of mission minded women in order to encourage them to see God in their story, moving them closer to Jesus, and to discover their place in God’s Kingdom so God will be worshipped among the nations”