The Vine

As a parent, we often contemplate who our children will be, who we hope they will be, and what gifts they begin to show at a young age that may become mighty tools as they grow into adulthood…

From the time he was born, Declan has had a palpable gift for loving people.

I am talking, the kind of gift that strangers notice. The kind of gift that people pick up on just by seeing a picture of him. And to those of us who interact with him on a daily basis, this gift of love is just innate in who Declan is. You can’t help but be succumb to this boy’s charm. I swear.

We often joke (or half joke) that we should take Declan around to those who might need him. (People in hospitals, nursing homes, homeless shelters, funerals, etc…) I have used the word “therapy dog,” (I know! LoL) obviously making light of his talents at making people feel better. But, I guess, I just don’t have a better word to describe “it.”

Declan loves like no one else I have ever known. He hugs you with his whole heart and just warms your soul with his sweet, gentle nature.

This boy of ours has faced and continues to face his own struggles (I will save those for another day). But, long story short, everything doesn’t come easy to Declan. He sometimes has to try harder and work harder to hit the milestones that other kids seem to do effortlessly.

We don’t know why Declan does things in his own “Declan” way, but I have a strong feeling that God is preparing him for his life’s work. That he will be able to reach people and connect to them through his own vulnerabilities & imperfections. That his story will give others the strength they may need.

A daily occurrence in our home is what you see in this picture. He will grab my husband and me both by the neck, pull us in close until our heads are touching and just make us stay there. I mean, he MAKES us stay there. I don’t know what it is or why he does it. Maybe he just senses the need in us to slow down and take a minute to be together and appreciate what a beautiful life and family we have. Maybe he understands the importance of relationships and loving each other and connecting every day. But whatever it is, he gives us this little gift. A small reminder. Every day. And the moment is always beautiful. Always initiated by him.

Whenever he does this, I am reminded of John 15:5-7 where Jesus says,

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

And I can’t help but think that maybe Declan understands this even better than we do. That he is tangling us up and bringing us back to The Vine. Gently reminding us of where we need to be.

I am so grateful for this little guy and his loving heart. I look forward to the incredible ways that I know he is going to change the world around him. Through love.

❤

Declan’s mama