Celebrating the Beautiful

Saltspring Island is one of the most beautiful places on earth and, lucky for us, that’s where our son-in-law is working these days. He and his little family are camping out on their 25’ sailboat at Ganges Harbour during the week so a two day excursion and visit was in order. It’s a quick trip from Ladysmith; 20 minute drive to the Crofton ferry, a 30 ferry ride, then a 10 minute drive from Vesuvius to Ganges. All this with scenic views of coastal snow-capped mountains, deep blue waters, a myriad of wildlife, and pastoral Gulf Islands. We feasted upon it all and felt much refreshed at the end. This is God’s country, to be sure!

Yet, the sights and sounds weren’t even close to the highlight for us. The miracle of our little grandbaby surpassed it all. I know most grandparents say the same of their little ones and now I understand why.

If you will allow me…

Already her conversational skills are far beyond what you might expect for a child of 4 months. At one point, while her Papa held her in his arms at eye level, face to face, she began a dialogue that included a mixed variety of coos, squeaks, and gurgles, matched by his responses. It was a conversation that lasted nearly 5 minutes. I asked her dad if this is regular kind of behaviour for her and he said that as long as someone repeats her sounds, she will just keep going. We anticipate that this is the first sign of her exceptional linguistic abilities and warned her parents that there will be times when it won’t seem like such a gift, especially if her demands for their responses increase with time and development. We can say such things because her mother both challenged and blessed us in similar ways.

If you let me, I could go on and on about her other amazing qualities but I won’t. It’s such a joy to be focusing on the normal kinds of baby things these days. The joy is greater even than it might be if Gabrielle was a healthy, whole little girl because we know that we have been spared the sorrow of losing her. An overwhelming sense of gratitude and celebration is never far from our hearts.