Last night something miraculous happened.  Our baby learned his first word.

M was holding him in her arms talking to him about signs.  As we discussed ASL signing and gestures earlier babies had used we realized he already had a sign for come here!— a chubby little hand beckoning.  It is a powerful first word and is usually accompanied by a joyful smile.

We practiced the word over and over.  It was a mitzva. I love words and so am particularly gratified to see them hold power in the mind of a small child.  A small beautiful boy.

But it also reminded me of another little boy, one who did not have the same early experience of the joyfulness of words.  This little baby was still struggling with words when I met him at almost 3 years of age.  By all reports he had not felt or received much security or attention, placeholders for love.

My whole life with Sea I wished I could undo this early neglect from a time before I knew him.  I grieve for him and grieve for the damaged that ensued.

We all must know that we are seen, loved, valued and that can happen in a single Word.

John 1:1

(shibboleth rocks, boys)