“On the night you were born, the moon shone with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, ‘Life will never be the same.’ Because there had never been anyone like you … ever in the world.”
Every parent of small children has a special book that they love reading to their young children. For me, I always adore reading the book On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman. The book shows pure joy as different nature scenes triumphantly rejoice over a child’s birth. Whether it be the geese flying home from faraway places, the polar bears dancing, or the giraffes listening to the moon play the saxophone, I feel so connected to this story. It is and always will be one of my favorite books to read. Perhaps the author is able to express a profound joy at the birth of a child that parents understand and are in awe of.
As I reflect on this last year, I, too, am in awe of the birth of a child that isn’t even mine but still feels like he is. On January 26, my nephew was born. The long-awaited adoption call finally happened and what followed this last year has truly been joy.
Watching my sister and brother-in-law experience the joy and firsts of being parents has been one of the happiest times for our family. I love our morning Facetime calls when we are all in bed. I love your sweet giggle and smile. The sounds you make and the joy you’ve added to our family is unparalleled. I have been tickled watching you sit up, crawl, stand, and before we all know it, you will be running all over the house. I love the mischief you get into and the faces you make when you try new foods that you don’t like. I love seeing my own children experience a cousin. I love the way our kids are growing up like siblings. I love seeing my mom experience another grandchild. I love your squishy cheeks and baby hands. I love seeing my sister be a mom and my brother-in-law a dad. I love seeing the excitement of sharing everything you do and the amount of happiness you’ve given to them.
I loved you before I even met you. I would do anything for you. For the rest of my life, you will be loved as much as if you were my own. And I know you aren’t mine, but I love you just the same as if you were.
Noah, “Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on the wonderful, marvelous night you were born.”
Happy 1st birthday! We love you!
Megan Rathz is a wife, mother, and teacher. She says everything she has ever learned in life came from her Master Gardener mother.
Be the first to comment on "On the night you were born"