Firstborn Son

Seven years ago we celebrated the birth of Wyatt William, our first child. Throughout his four and half years he was a blessing and reminder of G-d's diverse nature. Two words truly summarize him: Tender Warrior. His heart was to fight for the things of G-d, to love deeply and serve the Almighty.

Just recently we read "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" with Cassidy and were struck by Lewis' depiction of riding on Aslan. I longed to read this story with Wyatt, knowing it would speak deeply to his warrior heart. But when I read this part I realized he already knows this story, and so much more. Some people have described the L-rd coming to Wyatt like the Lion of the Tribe of Judah that May night that he left, and as I read aloud Susan and Lucy's ride on Aslan's back Tom and I could not hold back the tears.

And he (Aslan) crouched down and the children climbed onto his warm, golden back, and Susan sat first, holding on tightly to his mane and Lucy sat behind holding on tightly to Susan. And with a great heave he rose underneath them and then shot off, faster than any horse could go, down hill and into the thick of the forest.

That ride was perhaps the most wonderful thing that happened to them in Narnia. Have you ever had a gallop on a horse? Think of that; and then take away the heavy noise of the hoofs and the jingle of bits and imagine instead the almost noiseless padding of the great paws. Then imagine instead of the black or gray or chestnut back of the horse the soft roughness of golden fur, and the mane flying back in the wind. And then imagine you are going about twice as fast as the fastest racehorse. But this is a mount that doesn't need to be guided and never grows tired. He rushes on and on, never missing his footing, never hesitating, threading his way with perfect skill...

We are thankful for his life, and the way he touched so many people by being a sweet little boy with the heart of a soldier. We pray you're experiencing the power of G-d in your life, and may we all seek to run with the Lion.