watercolor ponies and godspeed

This weekend, I attended the funeral of a little baby boy who lived all of two hours. His little life was a BIG life that impacted me personally on a number of levels. And even his farewell moved me. The love his parents shared and grace displayed was touching, inspiring and POWERFUL! How many of us strive to make a big difference only to have our efforts hampered by things like stress, time limitations and money? And yet, this baby came into this world, lived here for two hours and effortless changed lives.

Furthermore, I was moved and inspired by his parents. She'd been blogging about her pregnancy. This baby boy, her firstborn of the two, was a twin. His brother is healthy and thriving at home. This mother shared with a watching world as she prepared for what most of us can only imagine would be the most painful and difficult thing to ever endure. Her story will stay with me forever!

Sometimes, I worry my own boys don't have the mother they deserve. My voice isn't super sweet and I don't naturally baby them. I LOVE them with all the love I have. I also would and will do ANYTHING for them to be safe, to know they are loved, and to help them grow into the kind of men this world needs.

My hope is that I can show them grace and love in the face of whatever life brings our way. Should my oldest decide to leave our nest for college (that's his plan!), already he is more than halfway to that age. And that haunts my heart to no end! My husband and I sometimes look at each other and shake our heads when it hits us that they're truly growing up every single... single... day. We say, "Oh, those Watercolor Ponies," referencing an old song by Christian artist, Wayne Watson. (*You can look this song up on YouTube, too. The words are precious.)

Here is a link to the song played at the very end of Baby John's funeral. Godspeed, baby boy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqaBof47pmY