When Mike and Caitlin found out they were supposed to deliver their first child in June I was concerned because I knew that I was required to be at Annual Conference for my first year of appointment in the United Methodist Church. I prayed that God would allow me to be at the birth because I wanted to be with my first grandchild. It was June 10th and I was in Seminary in Charlotte when Mike called to say that Caitlin could be going into labor. I asked and the Professor gave me permission to leave and go be with my family.
I got home as fast as I could and was excited because it looked like I was going to get to be there for Christopher’s birth, I had to leave early the next day for Lake Junaluska. I went to the hospital and no baby, it just wasn’t time. We talked to the doctor and he said it would be early the next morning. I went home depressed because I felt like I was going to miss it. I will never forget Michael saying to me, Dad you always tell me to pray and that God hears our prayers, now what are you worried about. That helped but to be honest I was still worried. I got up early on Sunday morning and went back to the hospital. I spoke with Pastor Ty and he said to call whenever Christopher was born. It was just a few minutes after 11am and I knew church service had started but I called anyway. I will never forget it, Ty had given Susan C. his phone and she said Christopher is here and there was a cheer that went up in the congregation, wow. Christopher’s birthday is on the 11th so stay tuned for pictures then.
The doctor knew that I had to leave so I was allowed to hold Christopher even before they cleaned him up. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. I am truly a blessed man and God really does answer prayers.
I love you Christopher.
Pupa
