Page 9 - July 2014 Catalyst

WHAT MY FIRSTBORN TAUGHT ME
By Gladys Grimaud | Continued from page 5
that I thought I might have to drop out of school when I started showing. is kind- ly middle-aged man insisted that I contin- ue coming to school as long as I could and then nish up my courses at home so that I could graduate with the class of 1960. anks to Mr. Hayes, I did just that.
When David was born, he became an instant celebrity...the Associated Press picked up the story when the local news- paper came to the hospital and took a pic-
those adoring eyes. Often, as I rocked and cradled him in my arms, he would try to smile at the same time he was sucking his bottle. Not an easy task for a baby, but he was able to do it. David taught me that be- ing a mother was not going to be di cult because babies respond to love when they are loved. Being a mother was going to be easy, I thought...but rstborns are born to inexperienced parents and often take the brunt of parental mistakes. At two years of age, David showed that he had a ton of
“Being a mother was going to be easy, I thought... but rstborns are born to inexperienced parents and often take the brunt of parental mistakes”
ture of me adorned in my graduation robe and cap sitting in the hospital bed holding my newborn. We chose the name David, a Biblical name that means “beloved,” an appropriate name I thought when I looked down at those sparkling dark eyes that seemed to tell me what his name should be. David’s eyes were wide open when his rst picture was taken at the hospital with his tiny hand reaching for his ear. Was that an indicator that he would be totally aware of his surroundings and have a lis- tening ear? I don’t know, but that’s how it turned out.
David began to teach me immediately as a newborn. He was so easy to love and nurture. Without saying a word, David could express his feelings for me with
patience. When his Dad kept David at the dinner table in order to eat his vegetables, he sat there another two hours content to play with his spoon and plate...singing to himself...but never eating his vegetables. We changed our technique after that. e patience that was exhibited in David at two years of age is still alive and well today. As an adult, he has been a long-su ering employer, compassionate and kind, toward some employees who just can’t seem to get their acts together. David has taught his Dad and me to have patience and kindness with others and never burn any bridges when an employee leaves.
One night when the family was having devotions, ve-year-old David asked Jesus Continued on next page
july 2014
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