by Benedict Kaiser (Our son-in-law)
Our little boy Charbel David was born on January 5th. He is named for St. Charbel Makhlouf who has a staggering number of miracles associated with his intercession, and they are still coming!
Hannah and I are elated to finally have our child here in our arms. He is a handsome little boy, and he sure brightens our lives.
Hannah was definitely struggling with the difficulties of childbearing in the last month of her pregnancy. The fact that little Charby was nearly two weeks late contributed to her discomfort. Sleep was hard, morning sickness was still a factor, concern for how the labor was going to go, and if the weather would hinder us more, were some of the thoughts and concerns that troubled us.
After the birth, there are still struggles. We have been adjusting to a newborn, battling sicknesses, Hannah has been dealing with postpartum, and the threatening of harsh winter weather to name some of our enemies of late.
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and my birthday, in late January, are also difficult for me. I lost my mother nearly five years ago, and every holiday and celebration makes the loss more keenly felt.
I had the pleasure of spending my birthday with my in-laws, and it was a delightful birthday, but just a few hours before I was at work as tears flowed down my cheeks. The pain of another year without my dear mother sure overcame me.
I’m willing to bet you are struggling too. It is interesting to me how many times in my life I have been convinced that once such and such an event happens…finally getting into a meaningful relationship for one example… then, then my struggles will be gone, or at the very least tolerable.
We have other thoughts too. We look at the people around us, the ones that have it all together, and think, “If only I had their lives, then I wouldn’t be suffering so much”. When you really get to know those people, you find out very quickly that their lives aren’t any picnic either!
It is easy to see all the lovely pictures on this blog, and forget just how much struggle there is in this family. As I have gotten to know Hannah’s family, I have seen the crosses and trials that they go through, and I have only found her family more endearing. They would be the first to tell you that don’t have it all together!
We have to embrace our crosses in life, and we have to remember that absolutely every cross that comes to us is tailor-made from Our Dear Lord. He loves us more than we can imagine, and He has a plan for our lives, one that we won’t see until the very end. We can trust Him! He knows best! Take all of your trials, and bring them to Our Lord, and truly share them with Him!
Something that has become a little habit for Hannah and me, and one we plan to share with our children, is every night we ask each other, “What are you grateful for?” Gratitude is a big-time remedy for the discouragement that comes with all the trials of life.
Hannah always comes up with something to be grateful for; sometimes she is grateful for things like helping other people. That is a real eye opener, that isn’t normally the first thing that pops into my mind when someone asks me why I’m grateful.
If we truly thought of all the gifts in our lives, of how much God loves us, of how even our very lives are a gift, it makes it a great deal harder to be bitter and upset. There is always something to be grateful for, and that should be the focus of our attention, and not so much the pain in our lives.
No matter what stage of your life you are in, it won’t last forever, so try and make the most of it, be present to it, don’t look back to an idealistic past, or a future free from suffering. The future will come soon enough, and you will see how it didn’t quite meet your expectations.
Let’s resolve this year to be grateful Christians…to live in the present, to live a life with God, sharing the good times with Him, and the hard times with Him.
I have learned a lot in the short time I have been married. God shows us so much about His relationship with us through our relationships here on earth.
I thought of one just recently. I love holding my little Charbel. The joy he brings me is truly indescribable! You parents know what I mean.
When he is fighting to stay awake, he is so cute! I’m not sure why he feels the need to try and stay awake! Is he afraid he is going to miss his two o’clock meeting to finalize the documents for the Henderson account?! 😅
When he finally does fall asleep, it is amazing how happy he makes me. He is just resting with his father, and yet, he couldn’t make me happier.
I realize that Our Good God wants the same from us often in life, to just go to His arms, let Him hold us, and trust Him enough to just fall asleep in His arms. He will carry us.
I am reminded of a beautiful quote from St. Francis De Sales, whose feast day we celebrated not long ago.
“Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life; rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, Whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, He will carry you in His arms.
“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow, and every day. He will either shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.”
Let’s be little children this year. Let’s be grateful, humble, simple, little children. Our Father will take care of the heavy lifting, and all the details.
Children do not arrive knowing themselves. Their inner picture is unformed, waiting to be shaped. They look outward to learn who they are, and the people closest to them become their mirrors.
What a parent consistently reflects—confidence or doubt, delight or frustration—gradually becomes internalized. Words spoken in passing can take root, especially when spoken by someone the child trusts completely. Even silence teaches something. A lack of interest can quietly suggest insignificance.
Over time, these impressions begin to settle into a sense of identity. The child starts to act in harmony with the picture he holds of himself. He becomes, little by little, who he believes himself to be. ~Finer Femininity
A mother of eleven, grandmother of twenty-five discusses the dynamics of Catholic family life that helped them to form their children into God-fearing, joyful Catholics.
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Thank you Benedict for your beautiful posting.
You are truly wise and a gentle man.
Love the truth in “ if only I can get through this”.
Hoping Hannah and all will feel better soon.
You look very happy with the baby, congratulations!
You never know what to expect after a baby, it changes everytime! 😇
Thank you! ✨🕯️
My father, who we buried on Tuesday, Feb.3rd, was named Delmer Benedict, after St. Benedict. That is a very good name. My father suffered much in his 93 years of life, the suffering started early. As a child he was run over by a car, his little body was dragged several feet. He was given last rites, was in the hospital for a month, many miles away from his farm home and parents. He lived, as God had a purpose yet to come for him. Later, he married, joined the army and raised 12 children. He saw his children’s children, and his granchildren’s children, “pressed down and overflowing” was his cup. For my father, there was much hard work, sleepless nights, pain, suffering, all intermingled with joy, and some of that joy came as a result of his suffering.
The funeral mass was beautiful, one of my grandsons, nephews and great-nephews were altar boys, my seven brothers were pallbearers. My 4 sisters and I each lead a decade of the rosary before the funeral. All my siblings remain faithful, but of course, each of us struggle. After all, we are still living in this valley of tears. Through this valley, to sustain us, God has graced us with consolation, joy, happiness, and the hope of being reunited in heaven, the world without end. “Only in God will my soul be at rest, for He is my hope, my salvation. . . .”🙏
Beautiful synopsis of your dear father’s life! I will share with Benedict.
Thank you Leane, God bless you all.
May he rest in peace! 🕯️
Many congratulations with your newest baby in your beautiful grandbaby, Leane. So happy for you Hannah and Benedict!💗👶💗
Thank you! Beautiful words. God bless!