Wow, How time flies by! To think it was 8 years ago this evening that our lives were so wonderfully and forever changed is hard to fathom. She came into this world at 11:33p.m. on the clear and very cold evening of January 2nd 2005.
Her name, chosen by her parents (our daughter and son-in-law) was ‘Natalie’; a very suitable and proper name for this beautiful creation. Being the ‘Word Connoisseur’ that I am I had already found, researched, and marinated on the origins and meanings of her name. With my back round in Theology the origin and meanings of names had always fascinated me as the ancient Hebraic and Greek cultures had named their sons and daughters with the idea of defining or setting in motion as it were what they sensed was the character and destiny that the Creator had intended for the child they had been blessed and entrusted to raise and nurture to adulthood.
The name ‘Natalie’ is derived from an old Latin word ‘natalis’ meaning ‘birthday’ or from the old church Latin ‘Christmas day’ alluding to the birth of Christ and a new beginning for the world.
For me and what I have come to know in these eight short years about Natalie it was fitting for her to come into the world on the second day of a New Year, when at this time many are planning a ‘new beginning’ or new path to the start the year. A birthday is a time for a celebration of all that is new, fresh, and exciting as well as a time for reflection on all that has passed on before. The day that one is born or ‘birthed’ into this world is a new creation of a personality and essence that has never been ; it is a time of celebrating and honoring the potential of what I would like to call a New CREATIVE SOURCE or CENTER that has been given to our world for a specific goal or purpose —that is to make the world a better place for all.
My Granddaughter Natalie in my view is the epitome of freshness, newness and creativity.Since around the age of three she has shown a real flair and talent for being able to draw and put on paper and canvas the likeness of animals, landscapes, and people in a beautiful way. Along with this artistic talent Natalie has shown talents for singing, writing, and dance .She has been for a us breath of fresh air not only in the creative process but in her inter actions with us and others as well. She is a very outgoing and positive person who seems to have the right words of encouragement or care for anyone she meets. ‘Natalie’ is a spontaneous and creative light beam of joy, excitement, and all that is good and excellent in our world today. I believe her very name and all that it entails holds the very destiny and purpose that she is already living, developing, and moving towards today.
Our Granddaughter Natalie IS a NEW BEGINNING and Fresh start for us not just every year but every day we are privileged to live and associate with her. We are so thankful and grateful she has been entrusted to us for care, love, and nurturing. Our Lives and world truly are better for knowing her.
We LOVE you Natalie!! Happy Eighth Birthday!!
Your Grandfather, Matt Geib The Great!
