A miracle came into my life today. Some may call it a continuation of the species or natural procreation but for me what I saw was a small miracle wrapped up in warm blankets attempting to get used to a foreign and alien land. I saw beautiful eyes dark and full of life, warm puffy cheeks giving that look of youth I once knew, and a small but perfect 

button chin that endeared me to her and allowed my heart to see a soul of purity surrounded by a developing sense of self. A self that I’m sure will be noticed in years to come.Her name was Emma Catherine named after great grandparents who did not live to see their little offspring as she began a lifelong schedule of breathing and sleeping. She lay still perfect in every way beginning her journey into her tomorrow. 

I first saw her as I walked into the nursery to find her held lovingly in her mother’s arms. Their eyes were trained upon each other and I could feel a connection that was indescribable yet palpable. They gazed at each other with a love that could only be felt not observed. What were joined by a physical cord were now connected by a stream of love that was both marvelous but miraculous at the same time. It was a scene out of any storybook but to me it was a scene of enormous gratitude for this little life that still kindled the spark of her Creator.

So small but yet strong in her will to live and survive in this foreign land. It took so much courage to move into this world a courage greater than any she will be called upon to use during the rest of her life. She will bring out the best in her mother and father, bring families that live miles apart together, and in time reach out to another soul and begin once more a new cycle of life. I looked into her eyes and saw pure potential a potential that rests like a seed lies in the ground. At first, there is a dormant seed which carries within its entire life’s potential, then, once brought to life this potential becomes unleashed and creates a unique being complete and in control of her own destiny.

Since I was allowed only a few minutes with Emma I quietly left and allowed a few other members of the family to meet her. Each in turn met this little miracle and all returned a better person for meeting her. Once again, I was invited to spend time with her but this time I found her father gently holding her in his arms. She had some difficulty breathing but nothing to be alarmed about but required the gentle caress of a most gentle man. He too gazed upon her eyes as they looked upward and made that connection which only fathers and mothers know. He talked in quiet whispers as she turned toward his voice for she knew he was a voice of comfort, strength, and caring. It was a tender moment one which opened in both some mystical channel that would remain forever connected and intertwined.

I no longer saw a mystery child in his mother’s womb but looked upon a person formed by the seed of my seed, love of my love, and a piece of my eternity.  So many thoughts went through my mind as I looked at her small face. Thoughts of her father as he was held in his mother’s arms. Thoughts of the years of love and moments shared as he grew up and became a man. I also had thoughts of my new place in the world and how best I could serve as grandfather, mentor, and friend. Would she reject me? Would I see her often enough as she grew and matured to make a difference in her life? Would she allow me that connection which would fulfill my journey and thereby complete the life circle that began eons ago?  All were questions that ran through my mind until I gazed into her eyes, then in a flash, I knew somehow each question would be resolved, each worry would dissolve, and a connection would be as it should be complete and whole.

A miracle came into my life today. Her name was Emma Catherine a beautiful soul given to this world to be a catalyst of love, a being a joy, and proof miracles happen even in the smallest package held in the loving arms of her mother and father while being surrounded by two families brought even closer together by the birth of one little soul of love. Miracles 

do happen. 

Emma Catherine Bissell

November 16, 2008

Written by Ron Bissell

a grateful and loving grandfather

on the day of her birth