"We're Glad You are Here"

Thank you for visiting my blog. Since June 5, I have been sharing "my story." My original intention was to write about fathering, however, it has taken on a life of it's own. This is the first time that I have written this much about my life. I have noticed it is getting more difficult to write about these events, especially the two years with Aunt Betty. Please remember as you read, this is "what God has brought me through." You may want to go back to June 5 and read up to this post to gain a clearer perspective.

Aunt Betty took Terry and I one Sunday to a neighborhood church, a few blocks from our house. She dropped us off, and the only thing I remember going to was the Sunday School class. I will never forget that class (I was six). This was the first time I remember going to church. We may have gone with my grandmother a few times when we were in Connecticut, but when we moved to Houston, we never went. So I can remember walking in to the class, greeted by this wonderful woman, who was probably the friendliest person I had ever met in my life. She had a beautiful smile. She asked me my name and then all of the class began to sing to me. The tune was "Happy Birthday," but the words were "We're Glad You are Here, We're Glad You are Here, ....." That is all I remember of the song, but I remember exactly how I felt, although at the time, I was probably would have had a difficult time articulating it. I felt loved! This woman loved me. After class, Aunt Betty picked us up, and I don't remember going back to that church again.

Two reflections on this episode in my young life. First, Aunt Betty, in spite of her horrendous disease, wanted the best for us. Second, sometimes what seems like a small act of kindness, can have a very powerful affect.

If you have the opportunity to welcome a child in a small group of some type, whether a church setting or a Boys and Girls club, let them know that you are glad that they are present. Seemingly little things like that, can have an eternal affect!