Asher’s Gift
When our son was asking to be born, we went into the hospital with a short list of names. We had narrowed it down to three from almost one hundred, collected in a spreadsheet with columns and numbers and ratings. We didn’t intend to play the ‘let’s meet him first’ game, but in the end that’s what happened anyway.
Still, it wasn’t immediate; we weren’t sure who he was until the day after he was born, when my husband looked at him, cradled in his lap the way my husband holds all small babies, and said, “He’s Asher William.” It was, like him, perfect.
Asher comes from the Hebrew word osher, meaning Happy. He is the happiest boy you’ll meet. So many times I’ve heard, “Is he always this happy?” or, “What a beautiful smile!” It’s infectious and contagious.
He’s my joy bringer, my little bundle of pure honey.
.:.:.:.:.:.
My gram died today.
Five days ago she was admitted to the hospital, three days ago we learned how sick she really was. Tomorrow she was going to be transferred to hospice.
We’ve been at the hospital every day, even though there wasn’t much we could do except be there. I wasn’t sure if it was ok to take Asher with me, but it was the only way, and I needed to be with my gram and my family.
I’m so glad we were there, because my perfect boy, my joy bringer, affected everyone whose eyes he looked into. Even strangers in the ICU waiting room, families so visibly distraught, looked away from him with softer faces and relaxed shoulders. I heard a woman say, “I can’t help but smile back at him.” It’s his gift.
I think that’s why we were there, to be the break from grief that everyone needed.
He emanates love and happiness, and glows with joy. I don’t know how I got so lucky to have this boy in my life.
But we all need him now, so much.
19 comments
Oh Sarah I am so very sorry about your Gram. So, so sorry.
The only thing that I can think is that she knew you and your beautiful, happy Asher were there and that gave her comfort.
Love you lots girly,
D
I am really sorry to hear about your Grandma. I love what a touching story the joy that your son has brought others.
I am sorry about your loss.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear Gram died. I’m here if you need me.
Sarah, I’m so sorry about your Gram. I’ll keep you and your family in my thoughts today. The lady at the ICU was right, Asher’s smile is infectious and you can’t help but smile back! He’s an amazing kid!
It is a gift. When Shane’s grandma died in the hospice, Luke was Asher’s age… and what I remember most about it is not the pain we felt at that time, but the joy Luke brought to everyone during the hours we spent in the hospice.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Sarah, and if there is ANYTHING you need (some sort of cheese-laden casserole dropped at your door?), just say the word.
Sarah,
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandma. I do remember thinking when I met Asher that he seemed like a happy bundle of joy. So perfect for your life, such a blessing.
Natalie
Oh Sarah, your story brought tears to my eyes. I’m so sorry you lost your Gram. I know how hard it is and my heart breaks for you and your family. I pray that you heart starts to heal soon.
Asher is an amazing boy. He is so beautiful and happy, and he does bring joy to everyone around him. Everytime I see his picture I smile.
I’m thinking of you girl, and I love you.
I’m so sorry. Soak in that sunshine that is your boy.
Asher is perfect like his mother …
Love … Dad
I was teary enough until I read your dad’s comment…
love you.
::sob::
Oh my goodness. The tears. Sarah, this post.
Steph
Love you Sarah. He is perfect. You with him was exactly what I needed there. And thur and friday please
. Oh and saturday too?? hehe
I love this post. I can speak from experience that Asher gives that break from grief. He IS a gift. He is love.
Love.
I am sorry for your loss. When my father was dying in the ICU, I would bring my daughter and hold her up to the window outside his room so he could see her. She brought much needed joy to him and everyone else who saw her. Thank goodness for our little ones, right?
My condolences sweetie. Hugs to you and yours and especially that precious precious little boy of yours!!!! xo.
I am so very sorry for your loss *hugs*
I think you’re probably right about your son. There is no better gift, no better way to heal, than to watch a baby smile.
Oh love, i’m so sorry about your grandmother, but I’m glad you’ve got Asher to bring the much-needed smiles to your day.
Oh, I am so sorry about your Gram. Asher IS Happiness. I adore him and his name. It could not be more fitting. And I think having him around at a sad time does bring hope and joy.
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