Gratitude Journal – Day 59 – August 28, 2014

There’s something in a name…
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The feeling that one gets when finding out that there is a baby on the way is simply amazing! Whether it be your own child or grandchild, your world is forever changed for the better the moment they make their grand entrance. Yesterday was our grandson Kaleo’s second birthday, and as I am searching through myDarlin Robert Kenui Pope's emails to find a message I hoped existed, I came across this one he wrote a few years back to his first born, Noelani on her birthday.

It was thirty years ago today that my life and all that I thought was important to me took a wonderful change. I still remember that feeling that came over me the moment you were born. Something really big happens when a child is born, and because you were the firstborn, it was so amazing to me. I thought I knew all about love, feeling love, giving love, and accepting love.

But when you were born, a whole new world of love was opened up to me. For the first time in my life, love meant so much more. To have a child, a beautiful baby girl, a part of you to hold, that was a feeling of joy I had never felt before. To feel the responsibility of being a parent, knowing that this newborn baby is depending on you for everything, I had never felt that before either. It was wonderful, warm, so overwhelming that I actually couldn’t sleep for a couple days.

I know that you completely understand now how I felt. The love I see you have for Brayden is amazing! You are a wonderful mother to him; you’ve given your whole life to him. As your father, I am so proud of you and of the beautiful daughter/mother/sister you’ve grown into. Thank you for the years of love and joy you’ve brought me…

myDarlin' and I had so many discussions about the wave of love that rushes over us as our child enters the world, and how blessed we are. We already had three grandsons whom we adore, when Robert got the call from Noe. Not only was she expecting her second son, our grandson, but she wanted Robert to name the baby. 

This was not a job to be taken lightly by myDarlin’ and he spent hours upon hours looking for the perfect name. I remember him telling me about the name Kaleo and how honored he was to have the privilege to choose it. And then, I found it, the text that he sent to his good friend Kaleo and his wife Shelley. 

Wanted to let you know that Noelani is due with her second son. A couple of months ago, she put the responsibility on me to come up with a Hawaiian name for her new born.... it took a while, and a lot of thought. I wanted a strong name, one that brought good memories, and one that people in Wisconsin couldn’t easily massacre. 

Always thought that “Kaleo” is a good strong name and it seems that everyone agrees. 

So today, I Face Timed with Kaelo and Noe and was reminded of how honored myDarlin' was for the privilege of naming him. The Voice – that’s the meaning of Kaleo and I am filled with gratitude as we watch our grandson bring so much joy to all. 

#KeepLookingUp