The Long Walk Home

I remember in A Christmas Carol, how one of the turning points for Scrooge was seeing Bob Cratchit walking home after the death of his youngest son; Scrooge was touched to the core by this loss and wanted to do what he could to change it--and he did.  As I watched, I remember thinking two things: 1) Losing a child would be the most difficult trial I could imagine; and 2) The spirits and lives of children have power to reach even the deepest corners of the soul and awaken us with power not only to want to be better but to actually change.

After losing a child, I believe both these previous insights are true.  In my limited experience, nothing has been more difficult than saying goodbye to my youngest son.  Yet nothing has been more meaningful to me and to so many others than the short life he led and the love he felt for and from all around him.  I am so grateful that for nearly 9 months I was blessed to be his father on earth and to care for this sweet boy.  I am blessed that he showed me so much about life and love and meaning and purpose and reminded me that angels don't need wings to fly.  

As I look toward the long walk ahead of me, I recognize that if a sick child from a hospital bed can open hearts and scatter blessings and change lives, then there is no limit to what I can do--to what we can all do.  As Jordan became my heart, so I can be his voice, feet, and hands to continue the work of love and change he began.  I can offer hope to others, lift the brokenhearted, and serve as a soldier for change to bring newborn screening for SCID to other families in Oregon.  I don't expect this walk to be easy but it is worth the effort because this walk is the long walk home, where Jordan is waiting.