Birthday Boy

I’d like to think….

 

I’d like to think that there was love when you were conceived;

I’d like to think that your mum thought of you constantly as she held you in her womb;

I’d like to think that you surprised her with a hefty kick right about 5 months in her tummy;

I’d like to think that she lovingly made preparations for your arrival;

I’d like to think that your birth brought joy to your parents, and Heaven smiled.

I’d like to think that as you held your head up, crawled, sat up and finally walked, your parents were there, sharing your achievements with joy;

I’d like to think that as you grew bigger and stronger, you learnt new things and found new friends;

I’d like to think that when you were about 12, as you knelt and acknowledged your heavenly Father, Heaven smiled again;

I’d like to think that as you chose your own destiny, you had the love and support of an extended family;

I’d like to think that though you had opposition, it was rooted in love.

I’d like to think that there was love at first sight, when you first set eyes on her;

I’d like to think that you felt on top of the world, when you graduated with honors,

I’d like to think you felt vulnerable as you joined the rat race but knew you were not alone,

I’d like to think that you heard the calling loud and clear, “Stop working, go study some more!” and went,

I’d like to think you held on to the faith and calling tightly in a foreign land.

I’d like to think that you felt on top of the world again when you fulfilled that calling;

I’d like to think that as you started your second career, you were saving lives;

I’d like to think that you loved and were loved in return as you walked the aisle and took the vow;

I’d like to think that you felt the same joy and shared Heaven’s smile when two bundle of joy came along,

I’d like to think that you love them, even more deeply than you love yourself.

I’d like to think that once more, the top of the world feeling was felt, when all the studying was done;

I’d like to think that 4 years in the wilderness have taught you much, hardened you, and humbled you;

I’d like to think that you had the support of your loved ones, even at the worst times and the lowest moments;

I’d like to think that Heaven looked with concerned a lot of times, as you hung on precariously to your beliefs,

I’d like to think that you bore scars that will remain and serve as reminders of battles fought and lost and won.

I’d like to think that you will enter a new phase of uncharted territories with fear and hope,

I’d like to that your work will be done and you will find fulfillment and joy,

I’d like to think that when dusk comes and the day is done, and it’s time to leave for Home,

I’d like to think that you have run the race well and held on to your calling, to faith, to love, to hope;

I’d like to think that Heaven will smile once more, and welcome you Home.

I’d like to think that in the fleeting moment here, your life touched other lives;

I’d like to think that you would have lived and loved,

I’d like to think that you would be free, and accepted,

I’d like to think that you would finally be who you are,

I’d like to think that you will finally find your rest.

So, Happy Birthday Old Chum, it’s been a wonderful journey together and there’s still some way to go.