Inside of a Miracle

Miracles.  They live amongst us.  Every single day, we pass them on the street, we don't always know they are there but they exist.  Once in a while though - we actually get to acknowledge one. 

A five year old's birthday is always a joyful occasion.  When it's a five year old who has beat cancer back with a stick, it is nothing short of simply amazing.  With hair growing back in and a big, healthy smile on his face... he yelled "cool!" when he opened his grandmother's gift.  Apparently he is into Hot Wheels now.  As little boys often are. 

All of my nieces and nephews are their own brand of miracle.  Everything about them is simply beautiful.  Seeing them head their way into the world, a little bit at a time... is both anxiety inducing but absolutely wonderful all at once.  Everything growing up should be.

Today, though, reflecting on the fact that my nephew was sick, terribly sick and now has the opportunity to go on and live a new life is where the heart resides.  If only we could all bounce back as quickly as he has.  In all aspects of the human person.  Kids are often resilient.  He proves what it is to have joy at the mere thought of living.  If we could bottle up just an ounce of it and give it to the world, things would certainly make their way to perfect.  But - we can't so it is up to us to simply look around and embrace what we do see.  Flaws and all.  As my nephew has proven to me (as well as many others), you do what you have to do... and you will get to open the gifts that are in store.

Happy Birthday, cutie.  Looking forward to celebrating many more.