Just one of those nights......

Dear Matt,

It's been a roller-coaster time emotionally the past two weeks. The beginning of February there are a lot of birthdays. Our granddaughter decided to arrive earlier than expected, (being due on 7th February) and made her appearance very precipitously on Wednesday teatime, January 30th. Weighing in at 8lb 5oz! 

I had a call from your brother at 6.10pm. I wondered if he was going to tell me she was on her way,when he said to me " Can you hear your new granddaughter" ! Such wonderful news. Mum and baby were home in a couple of days.      

Grandad! 

The previous Saturday, 26th January, we had gone to see them for our pre-birthday celebration, mine on the 4th February and Stephen's on the 8th. We had a lovely time, going out for a meal with our son, daughter-in-law and grandson, plus bump! My 16 month old grandson enjoyed taking the wrapper off our gifts later that afternoon, and when we came home in the evening, driving up the motorway, a now very familiar journey of an hour and forty five minutes, we never thought we would have a new grandchild in 4 days time.  

My new granddaughter b.30th January 2013

On my actual birthday, Monday, 4th February, I had the best present ever! Holding my new granddaughter for the very first time. Her brother is becoming used to the idea that she is there all the time! He simply pointed to her, fast asleep, when we arrived and then went on playing with his toys.    

Libby Joanna 4 days old. 

Why then, in the middle of the night could I not sleep? Yesterday, when I came in from shopping, a shaft of sunlight fell on the cards and gifts I had received previously. Your picture standing amongst them. It was quiet, and I listened to the silence, before I knew, what my heart knew already, one card was missing. Yours.      

Opening my birthday presents.
Saturday 25th January

There wasn't a voice at the end of the telephone saying "Happy Birthday Mum!"
There is the continual silence.
So in the midst of all the happiness and joy, there is a silence...............deep and profound.
      And just now, I received a text photo of our grandson giving his new sister a cuddle!
I wish you could see them.
I'm sure they would've loved their Uncle Matt!
     All this joy and excitement found me awake at 2.30am, for a couple of hours, I miss you so much, especially at times like these............ the tears fell.  
 
      So, Matt, another milestone, another birthday, and yet I say, as I read Psalm 91 yesterday,

You give rest to the weary
You bring strength to the weak
As they wait in your presence
There is grace for their need

So I’ll wait, I’ll wait
Yes I’ll wait, I’ll wait for you

I will say of the Lord he is my refuge
I will say of the Lord he is my strength
I will say of the Lord he is my shelter, my hiding place

You can come in the silence
You can come in the noise
Bringing peace in a moment
Bringing comfort and joy

So I’ll wait, I’ll wait
Yes I’ll wait, I’ll wait for you

I will say of the Lord he is my refuge
I will say of the Lord he is my strength
I will say of the Lord he is my shelter, my hiding place
I will come to the source all creation
I will drink from the well that never dries
I will draw from the one who won’t grow tired
The lord of all

And I’ll wait, I’ll wait
Yes I’ll wait, I’ll wait for you
I will wait, I’ll wait
Yes I’ll wait, I’ll wait for you

I will say of the Lord he is my refuge
I will say of the Lord he is my strength
I will say of the Lord he is my shelter, my hiding place
I will come to the source all creation
I will drink from the well that never dries
I will draw from the one who won’t grow tired
The lord of all

You give rest to the weary
You bring strength to the weak