Welcome to the world Chase Z !

"Good men must die, but death cannot kill their names"

Proverb

While I fumed about the small stuff last week a perfectly formed miracle, small by some standards, infinite by others was about to take place. On July 11 the newest member of my extended family was born. My daughter’s husband’s brother’s wife gave birth to their third child and first son. That makes me, in a round-about-extended way, a grandmother, doesn’t it?

I wish I could hold him in my arms and look into what I’m sure are big round brown eyes and tell him how special he is. Alas, it’s true what they say … you can’t always get what you want. While his mom and dad are busy juggling feeding schedules and diaper changes, I’m several hundred miles away doing the same thing except the object of my concern is at the other end of the age spectrum.

The next best thing to rocking him in the middle of the night will have to be this letter ….

Dear Chase,
Welcome to the world, little man! Everyone is so glad that you are here. On loan from the Creator, you bless us by your very presence. You have been entrusted to the care of your mom and dad and sisters and grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins, yet all the world says hello and awaits the chance to make your life special.

What a great name your parent’s gave you. Chase, which comes from the Old French meaning “huntsman,” and Zubin, in honor of your uncle. It’s a big name for such a little guy, but I believe in time you will grow into it. And I believe your uncle’s spirit will be your guide.

One of the dictionary’s definitions of the word chase is this: “to follow or devote one’s attention to with the hope of attracting, winning and gaining.” In that context, your name could possibly be a mandate for your life – that you will devote yourself to the pursuit of all your hopes and dreams. Pursue away, sweet child, but remember this: “our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.” [Don Williams]

As I think about your future I reflect upon your Uncle Zubin’s past - the man he was, the lives he touched, the dreams he held. In the years to come you’ll hear all about the man for whom you’ve been named. Sometimes you’ll laugh and sometimes you’ll cry. Sometimes you’ll say, enough already, I’m me not him. But be patient with us, Chase, because those of us who loved Zub, still hold on to his memory with hands clutched tight. With that in mind I hope you will find a way to integrate some of his dreams into your own.

I don’t know for sure, but I bet if your uncle was here he’d sit you on his lap and give you this advice:

• Chase love: For it in loving that we are loved.


• Chase freedom: “Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” Dwight D. Eisenhower


• Chase adventure: Wherever it may lead you, preferably in a Volkswagon bus. And don’t forget that in the long bike rides of life there will be blisters along the way.


• Chase knowledge: Read. Listen. Learn. Don’t be afraid to develop your own ideas.


• Chase companionship: Friends are what will help you through the hard times and make the good times even better.


• Chase Spirit: Believe in something greater than yourself.


• Chase romance: When you meet the girl of your dreams you will know it.


• Chase opportunity: “Life’s ups and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals. Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want.” Marsha Sinetar


• Chase laughter: “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” e.e. cummings
• Chase spontaneity: Every now and then say something outrageous (like the "F" word?) and enjoy the reaction you get. Be careful whom you pick for this experiment. It could backfire.


• Chase trust: Trust others. Trust your own instincts.


• Chase art: Life is a collage of sights and sounds. Color outside the lines. Write poetry. Take photographs. Discover the music of your soul.


• Chase dreams: Every successful venture begins with a dream. Imagine how you want things to be, then make them happen.


• Chase family relationships: Your family is the nest from which you will be able to test your wings, and come back to when the cold wind blows. They will love you despite of some of the stupid things you’ll do. (And you will do them!) That’s what families are for.


• Chase competition: In a game of cards, or the game of life, play the hand you are dealt the best way you can. Strive to win. Enjoy the race. Bet on the Sonics.


• Chase nature: Relax in the sun, shout from mountain tops, sit by the ocean, listen to the call of the wild, behold the beauty in a field of tulips. When all else fails shout, “Serenity now!”
• Chase health: Limit the number of cokes you drink in a day. Eat fruit.


• Chase happiness: Open your heart to the all glories of the world. You don’t know where you might find them – in a cold, juicy orange, a hot cup of sugary tea, a gathering of sausage-eating friends, or a map of the stars. Savor the moments.


• Chase financial stability: Don't use credit. Pay your bills on time.


• Chase hope: “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Dale Carnegie
  

May God bless you and keep you safe all the days of your life.

With love, Merry ME