Early this summer, our senior family members were invited to my brother and sister-in-law’s home to meet their first grandchild. She was born during the pandemic and few of us had the privilege of meeting her. On this special day, she was almost two years old and made her entrance in her mother’s arms following an afternoon nap. She stayed close to her parents until she felt safe enough to wander around the large deck and meet the gang.
We enjoyed a wonderful July afternoon sipping cool drinks and catching up with family happenings. We watched with pride as the birthday girl opened her gifts: storybooks which she loves and a fluffy pale blue bunny that can no doubt be found in her crib these days.
Following a delicious summer supper, we continued to relax under the two large awnings. Suddenly the sky became overcast, there was a thunderclap and rain began to sprinkle the deck. Our little girl quietly stepped into the space between the awnings and opened her tiny hands to receive the falling drops. All was silent as we watched the scene unfolding before us. Obviously, this child in her pretty blue dress was experiencing a new and deep awareness of a special part of nature. There she continued to stand, perfectly still, contemplating the raindrops meeting her being.
Image: Unsplash/Mike Kotsch
The rain fell slowly at first and then with increasing intensity until it suddenly poured. She laughed and ran for shelter and her waiting grandpa. Suddenly, I realized that we had witnessed a profound contemplative moment, seen through the eyes of a child.
How much we take for granted in the everyday wonders of our world: the beauty of summer, the change of seasons, the force of nature, a sudden cloudburst and the miracle of life and love portrayed in the blessing of our newest little family member.
-Sister Jean Moylan, csj