This Is Our Privilege
Babies are awe inspiring. The most complex, raw, beautiful and powerful gift we will ever experience. They are a part of us, yet something entirely their own; truly unique.
As a recent first time father, I’ve been awestruck throughout the entire process of Ilea being pregnant, giving birth and now having spent five weeks with our little girl, Saoirse. She’s mesmerizing. I suspect that will never change.
I started talking with her, endlessly, from the very first day we learned she would be joining us in this world. I spoke to her even when Ilea was in the US and I was in Kenya. That is when our relationship began.
The feeling of having an extension of my soul growing in Ilea’s womb was life altering as well. The bond between the three of us was palpable. Each of our souls intertwined with Saoirse’s, growing into a new human being, fully complete. Simply profound.
We believe she’s capable of anything. We know her soul has come to us from somewhere else. Another time and place. With a mission and a purpose. She picked us as her parents, to guide her, love her and walk alongside her.
We are honored to be part of her journey. To have the opportunity to witness her life, learn from her and grow with her. We take nothing for granted. Every second is noticed and cherished. This is our greatest human privilege, and we value it as such.
At five weeks, we can already see glimpses of her personality. She’s got a fire inside her. We can’t wait to see who she is, to meet a new aspect of her every day. To witness her life. To experience God through her.
I will watch her. Learn from her. Appreciate her. Love her unconditionally. Care for her. Consider her in all that I do. Recognize that she has a purpose, and that my most significant purpose is to support her. This is my privilege.
Saoirse Sky, it’s going to be a beautiful journey. Namaste my beautiful girl.
OH WOW, Jared! That was one of the sweetest posts I have ever read. Ilea and Saoirse are two lucky ladies to have such a loving husband and daddy. God bless you guys!
Thanks Cass! Well…it’s my privilege to serve them! I’m a blessed man.
Jared,
CONGRATS ON BECOMING A DAD! It is like having life go from 2D to 3D isn’t it? I was not the happiest camper when we found out we were expecting our first (my husband was elated from the very beginning – it took me 9 months to warm up to the idea).
Right after we had our Maggie, I thought what the heck was I so bummed about. I am now the mom of 4 and consider it my best role in life – I love it.
Love her lots and enjoy every minute.
Live Beyond Awesome!
Jen
Thanks Jen. We are enjoying the journey and cherishing every moment!
I was on a girl’s trip when I got this post on my iPhone. I had to read it to the girls. It was hard for me to get through it because of the tears flowing. It is the most beautiful post I have read in a long while. I love how you are so proud of being a husband and father. And your love for little Saoirse will be the undergirding of her life……and will propel her to do great things. I am so blessed to be your mother and so happy you brought Ilea and Saoirse into our lives. We are a better family because of them. Love you so much, Mom
Thanks so much mom. I always tell people that you are the one that taught me to love. You taught me what true love really is, through your unconditional love for me, and through your guidance as I fell in and out of love throughout my life.
And now I’m blessed with Ilea, my greatest blessing of all. And together, we have the privilege of guiding Saoirse. I know she’ll teach us so much. Ilea and I recognize that her life is a big part of our purpose on this earth. And we are grateful for that responsibility and privilege.
Thank you for being my mentor, always.
As an expectant grandmother, you have expressed the words in my heart. The moment I met Saoirse,the tears flooded my eyes. I sensed the miracle God placed inside of her and you and Ilea. Certainly, Gods blessing is upon you and your prcious family.
Thanks so much Susan! And thank you for the love you have already shown to our family. Your reaction to Saoirse blessed us, and confirms once again what a powerful force she is turning into. We are blessed!
One look at you and Ilea with Saoirse tells the world what awesome parents you will be. The love flows tangibly.
and Yes, I can see the amazing love of your mom, one of the dearest women on the planet. Big hearts all around!
Love this – it’s so clear that you are just as eager about what you will learn from Saoirse as you are what you can share with her – I read recently how you should not let your vision of your child become greater than your child – it’s hard to do sometimes when your children take paths differently than you expect – but your openness to Saoirse and the fire inside of her (I definitely concur with that) is going to be so good for both of you. I’m so excited to be on this parenting journey with you – I’m already head over heels in love with her and can’t wait for the girls to grow up together!
Wow. Uncle Jared, I can’t believe the wisdom and perspective you have towards being a father…and I still can’t believe you ARE a father. For so many years I’ve thought of you as this cool, fun uncle who’s doing awesome things in Africa; now you are all those things AND you get to be a father. In a weird way I feel excited for you and Aunt Ilea for having the privilege of raising Saoirse. I feel excited for Saoirse also because I know she has an epic, exciting life ahead of her lead by some unbelievable parents, and ultimately lead by God.
Wow! Thank you so much Caleb. It means a lot to me to hear these words from you. I’m honored. I’m also is awe of the man you are becoming and can’t wait to see all the things you do. I love reading your blogs and witnessing the wisdom that comes out of you. Thank you for your encouraging and honoring words! Saoirse is blessed to have such a great cousin!
Beautiful brother. Thank you. I don’t pray she will conquer the world with that fire. I pray she will serve this world, as her father and mother are. In strength and humility. Love you all.
Oh my goodness what a sweet baby!!!!
OH my goodness what a sweet baby!!!!!
Your post is awesome Jared i love it!!. Ilea and Saoirse i just want to congratulate you for having such wonderful husband and a Dad. Its like being protected by a lion in the forest.
You can just imagine how Jesus loved the church and he gave him self for her (Ephesian 5:22) that is how husbands should do to their wives and Jared has a special grace in that. If he can give his life for other people how much can he do to his own family!!! you know i know much about him the 4years we worked together.
So Jared welcome to the world of parents, its a blessing and honor to become a parent , its so sweet!!!!.
May God continue to give you the grace to be a good husband and a good father because he is the best father to all of us. May he teach you how he fathers us so that you can do the same to your children and all the Glory will be his Amen.
Urakoze cyane Jane! Your words honor me. It means a lot to me, especially coming from you because you and Peter are such great parents. Being a parent is my favorite, most challenging, most rewarding and most valued role I’ll ever play. Much love to you and the family Jane!
Oh my goodness!!! Even after bringing seven babies into the world…the astounding gift of new life brings me to tears. And Jared – your words of love & hope – what a gift, to your precious daughter, your beautiful wife, to all of us!
You are a treasure!!!
Thanks Teri! I know you guys are pros, and I’ve certainly gleaned a lot from you and Kevin over the years. Thank you for the prep course!
she is so precious – i love her hair and her skin coloring is beautiful. i know you will make a good parent and i’m glad you are so excited about it all and want to be a part of every moment of her life.
Thanks so much Mattie!