Meet Mr. Drayce
As many of you know, in June of 2011, my grandson Eddy Maurice Smith III was called home to be with God after an amazing 13 weeks of joy, love and wonder.
On November 1st, 2012, his little brother, Drayce Henry Smith, arrived and he is our rainbow baby. Though he had to spend a few days in the hospital, Drayce is now at home with his Mommy and Daddy, and is enjoying the attention of his two big sisters, Breonna and Lexi, his older brother Zacchaius, and his guardian-angel big brother, Eddy.
What Is A Rainbow?
According to Wikipedia, a rainbow "is an optical and meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection of light in water droplets in the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky" ... but I think it's time for them to add a new definition.
To those of us who have survived the devastating loss of an infant, the birth of another baby heralds the true meaning of the rainbow - a sign after the storm that beauty and love still exist, even in the presence of grief. A rainbow is a bridge that links the darkness that has passed, the glorious beauty that is the present, and the wonder and joy that await us in a future full of brightness.
As a symbol of a divine promise, the rainbow is also a reminder that the terrible deluges that we may encounter along our journey are not the end of our lives. These beautiful works of God mark the change from tempest to calm, and from fear to hope. I firmly believe that the angels may cry for us during the rain, but they sing with joy and love when the rainbows appear.
A Familiar Smile
On the day that Drayce got to go home, his little face lit up with so much joy and happiness, that I feel certain Eddy was there with him, and was spreading his love, happiness and protection on this adored new addition to our family. I'm not sure just what special thoughts they were sharing, but I can see so much of Eddy's infectious grin in this picture of Drayce's first big smile, that I know it had to have been a very happy one.As he grows, Mr. Drayce will always have the special distinction of knowing that not only is he loved as much as any child ever has been, but he also has a little extra protection from a very special big brother, and that like a rainbow, he is beautiful.
I will leave you for today with this simple statement:
May your lives be filled with as much laughter and joy as you can find, and when the storms hit (and they will), may you find solace and comfort in the inevitable rainbows which follow.
This hope-filled wish comes, as always,
From Grandpa's Heart ...
