Harvey

Joe and Harvey run across the finish line in record time!

The day before Harvey, our grandson, was born at home, his parents got married.  It was a beautiful, sunny day in Seattle and Mario and I walked with the little family through an old-town section to a chapel where the couple tied the knot.  It was magical, and the couple took full advantage of Ariel's 9-moth pregnant tummy in the frame!  She looked to beautiful!

Before Vows--May 26, 2015

The next day, we got a text from my "step-daughter" Seantel, telling us that Ariel went into labor.  We were going to be present just to see the baby on the day of his birth! I was so elated! Seantel met us in the parking lot in front of Joe and Ariel's apartment, letting us know of the progress.

"She's pretty close to delivery, but there's still time," she told us. "Once he gets here, the midwives will sit down to chart.  Is there any way you can run and get snacks?"

Happy to have an occupation, Mario and I went to Safeway. I couldn't believe we would be grandparents again! Mario and I held hand tightly and smiled secretly at each other.  I can still smell the beautiful organic strawberries on display in the aisle.  I examined them, thinking, "He'll be here soon! He'll be here soon!" 

As we drove back to the apartment, I looked up at the clear Seattle sky and thanked God for his mercy.  Almost one hour after we delivered snacks, Harvey Locke Rodriguez was born at home, entering the world with unusual contentment.   

Harvey Locke, 10 minutes old.

Joe and Ariel (now the parents of three boys) moved to Kansas City, much closer to David and Lennae and their children--and much closer to Cathy, mi comadre. Our trips to see the kids are not as frequent as we’d like, so we see Harvey grow up mostly through pictures.  

Now and then, we all get together in Kansas City and reconnect.  I'm always surprised at how much the kids have gown; always amazed at how much Harvey looks like his father, who looks like Mario.

Ariel sent me this picture three and a half years ago.  Her caption was: "No family resemblance at all, is there?"

Three Generations 2017

Harvey exudes happiness and confidence.  He has more energy than even his brother, Asher, has (a LOT...a stinkin LOT!)   Harvey is the mischievous, playful, happy grandson!  Harvey is the beloved, the mighty, the beautiful.  Now...we see him being quiet, like his father became in these younger years.  

  

Mario and Joe--exhausted from playing with Harvey!

When Joe and Ariel had their third child, Theodore, they made Harvey a BIG BROTHER!!  I know it all sounds cliché,but once you start having Grandchildren, time goes by even faster!

Theodore, Mama, Harvey

I am typing this in the afternoon on Memorial Day, thanking God for our Harvey.  I love how he loves life and runs into it without fear.  His face is filled with mischief and he’s always cooking up a plan to do something a little naughty—but funny.  Born in a place of contentment, raised in a place of safety, and growing with joy and affection from all sides, I can wish only one more thing: God’s amazing grace all over him and his family.  I also wish for a chance to see him soon!

Happy Birthday, Harvey!  You are like sunshine to our lives!