The Bracha of Noah Peter

A late June rain,

 

Was falling in the afternoon.

 

My granddaughter giggles as she and my girlfriend

 

Play on the floor. 

 

My son lays on the couch,

 

As he’s lost in his phone. 

 

 

My daughter is less than five miles away.

 

As a blessing,

 

Is about to be bestowed on our family. 

 

I’m impatiently waiting for news. Any news. 

 

 

My phone dings. 

 

It’s three thirty. 

 

“Caitlin is in a lot of pain.”

 

Was the only news from her mother. 

 

 

My mind loses focus,

 

On what’s happening around me. 

 

Is she okay? 

 

Caitlin texted me two hours prior.

 

“I’m taking the epidural Dad.”

 

 

I worry. 

 

She had a tough time with Claire.

 

Two and a half years ago

 

Almost to the day. 

 

 

The clouds slowly start to part,

 

As the rain ends. 

 

I go over,

 

To where Laurie and Claire are playing.

 

 

The sun is beginning to shine,

 

Through the broken clouds. 

 

It is now three fifty or four o’clock. 

 

I don’t know. 

 

My thoughts still on Caitlin. 

 

My phone dings again. 

 

 

An excitement suddenly fills my body. 

 

I blurt out:

 

“She’s had the baby!”

 

Laurie looks at me confused.

 

“Wait? What?” She asks. 

 

“Noah is here!” I said. 

 

 

Happily, I show Laurie the picture. 

 

Then my son and granddaughter.

 

Giving Laurie a hug and kiss.

 

Smiling from ear to ear, 

 

I tell Claire,

 

“You are a big sister now!”

 

 

Another baracha.

  

A blessing from G-d.

 

Has once again,

 

Been bestowed on our family.

 

 

Welcome Noah Peter! 

 

You will be showered.

 

With love and laughter.

 

Hugs and kisses. 

 

 

Especially from your big sister. 

 

And of course, 

 

From Grandpa.