My Son Henry
The picture you see above is not what it appears to be. I know it looks like chicken and noodles, but I assure you that what you see above is much, much more than that. Henry worked on this creation for the better part of dinner time at the table. While all three of his brothers ate, played, and talked at the table, Henry was very quiet, and very concentrated. You may think that he quickly smushed this pile of noodles, chicken, and corn together hastily, but you would be wrong. Each of these bits of food were maticulously placed in just the right spot, then inspected for structural integrity.
I am not kidding folks, this one was really funny to watch. He took several minutes and placed each bit of food on this pile one piece at a time. I am convinced that Henry must have decided to become an architect. He is not able to communicate this verbally yet, but he was very proud of this structure.
Conveniently, shortly after Henry created this masterpiece, I needed to go to Lowes to pick up some supplies for a few home repairs. I decided that this was a perfect time for me to show Henry “man’s land”. I showed him what real lumber looked like and explained that someday he could build real buildings out of real wood, not just chicken, noodles, and corn. I cannot be sure, but I think I heard Henry say, “this is the coolest place I have ever seen, dad” under his breath.
I cannot tell you what a joy it is to be this boy’s dad. Henry makes me laugh almost everyday. I am so proud to call him my son. God has filled my heart with so much love for this little rascal that I cannot even begin to express it. I love Henry’s electric blue eyes, his love for wrestling and being rough, the way he curles up on my lap for his night bottle (man, I will miss that), his daring personality, his lightning fast crawl, his perfect hair, his ability to get out of any confined spot, the way he whispers da da da, and most of all, the fact that God created Him just the way he is and gave him to us healthy.
Henry entered our world 2 months premature. He was our first and our smallest, wieghing just 2lbs. 12oz. I am so excited to see what God has in store for Henry’s life. I pray daily for his salvation and the impact I hope he can have on his world. I also pray daily that my example, and Jen’s example would show him what it means to live every day for Jesus Christ. And, when we fall short in this area, I hope to point him to Jesus who is the only one who can forgive us for our sins. Henry needs a Savior just like I do, so I trust God to take care of him.
I love you Henry,
Dad
PS In case you are wondering, I am planning to write a post on each of my four sons. They are all a blessing and I cannot get enough of them, so I want to praise God publically for the amazing gifts He has given me through my precious wife….
I loved this post Brad. So great for you to document this for the future. We expect to remember all the adorable things our kiddos do but, the memory fails. Janice in NH
Your post about your son is so touching. I have tears in my eyes from reading it. I think it’s wonderful that you’re writing these about your kiddos. It’s not often that I get to see a Dad expressing so intimately his love for his children. Thanks for sharing.
What a sweet and insightful post. I suspect Henry may well be a great builder of the Kingdom.
boys are so funny. i thought u had a secret recipe at 1st to give us and that your kids loved it.
like that pile of food was a pile you put together to showcase the new food HAHA
What a sweet story…what an awesome daddy!
What a sweet story that Henry will cherish one day. Glad Henry experianced “Man’s land.” I am sure that he will truely love it one of these days!
~Elyse~
Aww, Brad, thats a sweet post. I know you must be amazed every day at your four little miracles. We have an AWESOME GOD! -Sioby
So sweet! 🙂
That is a beautiful affirmation! Sons will always need their fathers approval and affirmation. Keep it up!
Val
Wow! This made me cry. Your faith inspires me each day!
Thanks for sharing this amazing post, Brad! I really love seeing individual relationships with each of your boys play out. I’m sure their identity will fall into being “quads” throughout their entire lives…and of course they’re all individual people too! This post obviously shows that you guys don’t just “clump them together”, but see their individuality too! I love how you have revealed to us a little bit more about who Henry is, and loved hearing about your special time with him at Lowe’s! He seems like an amazing little guy, as do all your boys!
That was just beautiful Brad!
I don’t think a father could express his feelings any plainer or truer than you just did.
It was honest & touching and I know that God has blessed your sons by giving you to them.
Much appreciation,
Debi
Sounds like he’ll be an engineer or a construction worker or he will build houses some day. 🙂 He is a smart boy! What a blessing from God! I love reading how you and your wife give the Glory to God for your beautiful sons! =)
What a beautiful post!
How sweet are you? Loved the post.
Christie
mcgoverntrio.blogspot.com
Thanks for giving a girl a good cry! lol! That is beautiful! You are an amazing father.
Nice post!! I enjoyed reading it and can’t wait for the next ones.
Mommy of five
I am thanking God right now, for coming across this post, via http://www.pensieve.typepad.com. I affirm you, because of this post, as a father and husband. This is just so precious!! It is most appreciated in a day where men don’t publicly show or talk about their kids this way. It is so refreshing to see (or hear) a man’s surrendered life to the Lord and how that flows over into every relationship that he has in life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on a blog. I am grateful today for stumbling over this. Praise the Lord for you!