To My Grandson,

32 years-ago this week I enjoyed a week of vacation from my job. I scheduled that time away for a specific purpose. Your Uncle Randall was supposed to enter this world on July 7^th, 1989. His mother’s due date was on THAT day, so naturally I thought he would be born on time. Uncle Randall was 8 days late. He was born on July 15^th. You will soon learn that our beloved Randall has been late ever since that point.

As we anticipated his birth, I was a nervous wreck. I cleaned the house. I washed the windows. I detailed the car. I made your grandma protein shakes. I was all over the place. You will also learn very soon that your Peepaw has not changed. I am still all over the place.

You are supposed to enter this world in 9 days. You would think a seasoned father of three boys would not be anxious at all. But this veteran dad is a rookie Peepaw!  The feelings I am experiencing are strikingly like the weeks leading up to your Uncle Randall’s birth.

 When I was much younger, I never thought I would have children. In fact, I had no desire to have children. The idea of being a granddad seemed impossible. There is nothing better than having a houseful of children. Seasoned grandparents are saying that my life is about to change forever.

As I anticipate your arrival, I will share a couple of important life lessons.

• Timing is so important. I have learned that God’s timing is always flawless. When I take control, things seldom work out well. When I trust in God’s timing, everything has a way of falling into place and making sense.

• The blessing of the unexpected. When we found out we were expecting your Uncle Randall, an unexpected blessing ensued. We had become very discouraged about becoming pregnant. Our miracle child was born on July 15^th. The news of you coming into this world was a wonderful surprise. It was a fantastic Christmas present! Embrace the blessing of the unexpected. There is nothing quite like it.