At Christmas, firstborn reflections

Rach, you have been with your mother and me almost from the beginning. When you were born 10 1/2 months after the wedding some of the aunts started counting the days. So you really have been with us since about six weeks after we were married.

There are many fond memories of you as a little baby. I loved holding you and playing with you. You were my little buddy. Yes, you were raised like a boy. I taught you how to play ball, pull pranks and drive a car like me. You had my manners. We drove your mother crazy, but she finally helped you become a lady.

Unfortunately, you have some of my defective genes as well. It became apparent early on that you could not run very fast. This did not stop you from excelling in sports. You were a star high school softball and basketball player. Being all-state and playing for two different college programs proved your resilience and drive.

You have always had a keen mind. Your first-grade teacher wanted to test you for genius status because you could read the newspaper at age 4. Your mother did a great job of teaching you by reading to you every day. Now you are a college graduate and successful in your profession.

It was my joy to be your pastor. I saw you come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. The memory of baptizing you will be with me the rest of my life. All through the years you have never doubted your salvation. There were times I doubted your salvation, but you never did. It is a blessing to know you read the Word of God, pray and attend worship every Sunday.

I must apologize to you. You were a guinea pig. The firstborn usually is. You were spanked more than the other two. (I hope Child Protective Services does not have retroactive powers.) Your mother and I experimented on you with rules and regulations. Sometimes I was pretty tough. You came out not too worse for the wear.

Life was pretty good until you became economically independent. Then I could not tell you who you could hang out with or how long you could stay out at night. For nearly a decade, you dated some sub-human life forms. Now, we have Andy. Praise God!

Andy is such a tender spirit who loves you very much. He is a man who loves the Lord and has dedicated himself to saving the lives of children. We are delighted he is in the family. We look forward to embracing him with our hearts and in our home. You complement one another so well.

Rachel, wherever life leads the two of you, you will be in my prayers. I am proud of you. You have my undying love. And you will always be my firstborn, my buddy.

Love,

Dad