“How wonderful life is,
now that you’re in the world.” 
Elton John

Two years and four days after the birth of our first child, Tom, my wife, Kathy, gave birth to our second son, Steve. Throughout the pregnancy, I had wondered if it would be possible to love another child as much as I loved Tom. It didn’t take long for that question to be answered. Of course I did! When Brendan was born four years later, I didn’t have that same concern. I knew the answer. To explain this to people who ask, I use the popular quote attributed to James Keller: 

“A candle loses nothing
by lighting another candle.”

The human capacity for love is unlimited. I’m seeing this played out yet again with my grandkids. Henry was born on Sunday morning. He’s our fifth grandchild. I can honestly say that I love all five equally. Each is their own person. Each has their own unique personality. And each will develop and grow in their own way to become productive, contributing members of society in accordance with their individual calling.

It has been a joy to watch Henry’s sisters, Penny and Scarlett, interacting with him these past few days. Both have amazed me in their ability to display unconditional love for their little brother. Both have found ways to gently and appropriately express their affection for him. And both seem to have grown up just a little more since his arrival. The care and compassion they show each day for their new sibling has been impressive. 

Penny will turn four in June, yet even at this point in her life, she seems to understand the opportunity she has as to help her parents with the task of caring for Henry. Scarlett, too, though only two years old, has shown that she is aware of her responsibility to care for her little brother with patience, kindness, and gentleness. I’m not sure why I am so amazed by all this, but I am. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that Henry is so loved and well cared for by his sisters.

I’m looking forward to Henry meeting his cousins, Liam and Emily. As a nine-year-old, Liam most certainly understands the importance of interacting appropriately with his only male cousin. I know, for sure, that Emily, who will turn seven in March, will shower Henry will love and attention. Having seen the way she interacts with Penny and Scarlett gives me confidence that she, too, will care for her new cousin with love and patience.

Charles Dickens once said, “I love these little people; and it is not a slight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us.”

It’s also not a slight thing when these little ones love each other.