You know…babies are a great way to start new humans. I’m starting to believe that having multiple children isn’t really that big of a deal. When you have a child, he or she takes up 100% of your time. 2 kids take up 100%, and it’s the same for 3. Adding more kids to the mix just gives you a change of scenery. Things are different now, but they are so, so good.

Mama did exceptional this go around. Labor was rough, but I’d like to say she dominated it. Even though this was our third baby, we still had a lot of unknowns this time. With Ava and Finn, Allison had minor complications resulting in a C-Section and a forced induction. For you car nuts out there, this means my son was turbocharged. This time everything went according to plan, therefore, it was Allison’s first experience with the waiting game of full labor.
Babies really shouldn’t take so long to bake.

Lots of waiting eventually leads to 10 minutes of pushing and all of the sudden there’s another human lying on your chest. It’s surreal to say the very least. Babies are God’s way of saying that the world should continue. You have to agree when you hold a newborn and get lost in their massive tininess.

Claire Adele Detzel (that’s what we’re calling her despite the pleas of many people who are not her parents) was born on September 21st. She weighed in at 8lbs 14oz…a solid pound and a half heavier than her big brother.

Coming home was a little scary. A new human was getting ready to move in on the turf of a 5 year old and a 2 year old. This could be disastrous. But Claire was welcomed with open arms and her sister even devoted a wall to her.

Baby boy becomes big brother overnight and Big sister becomes downright stoic.
Mom and dad can’t help but to beam in awe at the 3 marvels set before them.

I am a very rich man.

My Granddad, Ralph Detzel, passed on from this life and received his ultimate healing on Monday morning. The phone buzzed early enough to worry about whatever news waited on the other end. I answered, listened, and only responded with “Oh…okay. I’ll be right there.”

I arrived at the hospital 20 minutes later and it was surreal to see his lifeless body lying there. His soul had gone and there was now an obvious vacancy. It hit most of us harder than we expected it to as if he had tricked us one last time. So many false alarms and so many recoveries. Even though he seemed so diminished, I think we still secretly believed he would pull through once again. Even if only to suffer a while longer. But, he went quickly and sprinted the last 100 yards of the marathon.

At 77 years old he took his last breath with his wife of 54 years sitting right beside him. She made the initial call and within the hour Ralph was surrounded by his boys. 4 sons, a brother-in-law, and his grandson. I looked around the room and felt an honor I can’t explain. We were his guys. The ones who were there for him when he needed us. What a privilege.

Romans 8:28 says,
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

In all things God works for the good…

Even during the bad…even in the suffering. And He did just that. When Granddad’s vitality went missing, we were invited to the search party. He couldn’t cut the grass anymore, so my Uncle Jay was there. Computer problems again and again…my dad and Uncle Eric were there. Needed rides to doctors appointments…my Uncle Jack and I were there.

We got to spend so much more time with him because he needed us to. I had more conversations with him in the past year than my previous 28 years combined. All of us did, and it was so good.

Most men use guns or bows to hunt…my Granddad used Beagles.

Most quiet men are shy and reserved…my Granddad was an excellent dancer who could Jitterbug circles around you.

Most hardworking mechanics lose their gentleness…my Granddad could throw darts and shoot pool like a champ.

I am going to miss him, but I also realize he was born to Heaven on that day and he has all the peace, rest, and happiness that he was missing out on these last few years. This brings a gladness to my heart and closure to the chapter.

Enjoy your eternal time Granddad, as one of God’s airborne troopers. We love you – see you soon.