I confess that I've seldom had much patience with folks eager to show off pictures of their grandbabies.  Oh, the children looked sweet enough and I always smiled politely and feigned interest -- but frankly, they all looked pretty much alike to me.  That is, until I became a grandfather myself.  When I saw the first photos of little Aiko Pia Van den Voorde and my heart went pitty-pat, everything changed.  It wasn't just the sight of her, but also the other well-loved faces I saw reflected so clearly and dearly in the planes of her cheeks, her chin, her flashing grin: my late mother, my father and his mother, my daughter, and, of course, myself, too.  Suddenly I got it!  So THAT'S WHY other grandparents are always going on and on about "the most beautiful baby in the world!"
 
I really noticed this during our recent trip to the Netherlands, where I saw our almost-five-year-old Aiko in person for the first time in three years.  In that moment - and throughout our two-week visit -- I found myself looking at her in quiet amazement.  She probably thought Opa Rudi was a bit daft, staring the way he did.  Sorry, kid, can't help it.  Because looking at you can be overwhelming, creating a deep, tugging connection to your soul, as well as that of your sweet mother, and mine, and Oma Ida, Opa Ben, Tante Marijke and Pop.  And all those unknown ancestors, too; the ones whose names may not live in my memory, but whose genes are dancing through my bones, nonetheless.

And yes, dear child, your clear green eyes have a commanding way of demanding that I stand fully in the present tense, to pay attention, right here and now.  Yet in a way that I can't explain, but can't deny either, those same eyes tug me off into a hopeful, heartfelt vision of the future, where you and your children's children's children are leading healthy, happy lives.  Where everything you and I are doing today has helped create a world of sustainable peace and possibility. In short, Aiko, I love you, I bless you, and I see the Light in you!

 

Now, if I could just learn to look as deeply and lovingly at everyone else I encounter in life, too...  Which is why I feel so fortunate to be part of the Celebration Circle, where I'm surrounded by opportunities to encounter loving people like you, Dear Reader, helping me do precisely that - one hug, one handshake, one phone call at a time. 
 
With blessings and hopes of seeing you Around the Circle,