Living Life on Purpose
Tomorrow marks the anniversary for two years of a miracle. May 17th was the day when one particular hour was pivotal and life hinged on every breath.
On May 17, 2011, our second grandson Oliver Henry was born on my dad’s birthday. His mommy and our second daughter, Lindey, was the child I carried years ago whom the doctors wanted me to abort. The changing of my health and hemorrhaging eye vessels provoked the doctor to insist, “Choose today between your baby and your eyesight.” My decision for life was based on a verse I had memorized as a child, “Choose life that you and your descendants might live.” What joy to see our married daughter choose life too, and give to us a treasure of legacy.
Moments after Oliver’s birth, I received a phone call telling me my dad was taken to the hospital and in need of emergency open heart surgery. His heart was operating at 15% and his life hung in the balance. What contrasting polar opposites to life all at the same moment, in the same town.
The sweet result is today we celebrate two miracles, born on the same day, still enjoying life. Though the two birthday buddies approach life from different vantage points, they have some commonalities.
*Both take naps
Getting your second wind and some good rest helps get through any day when you have taxed your body.
*Both are learning
Oliver has learned to communicate while Dad is writing his third book with its communication skills.
*Both are active
Oliver loves to be with his brother and play, and Dad loves to be with his brothers at church, especially his favorite Men’s Meeting at Prestonwood to pray.
*Both are persistent
They don’t give up easily and overcome any challenge in their way.
*Both make others laugh
Dad’s humor and wit, and Oliver’s new dances and funny faces and words keep us all in stitches.
*Both run circles around others
Energy is exhibited in Dad’s late night hours at the computer finishing his projects and the non-stop play of Oliver leaving observers exhausted…
*Both refuse to slow down until they can go no further
Oliver stays determined to be busy every waking moment, while Dad uses each day he has left, determined to pour into the next generation.
*Both bring great joy
Smiles are common on the faces of others who have intersected with Oliver and Dad’s life. Their outlook, expressions and interaction leave a person enriched.
*Both love to hug
If you are coming or going, you can always expect a big hug from these two special birthday buddies who love people.
Happy birthday to you Dad and Oliver. Your life is celebrated as we watch you both live life on purpose and impact your world.
