The Story of a Boy

Once upon a time, there was a little boy who rushed to meet the world. The world, however, still held fast by cold and snow, wasn't quite ready for such a small, growing thing, so the boy was carefully closed away until the earth started thinking greener, warmer thoughts. The boy waited and listened and watched and endured, held fast to this world by the thoughts and prayers of all the people who loved him. But, although his body was small, his spirit was mighty and its impact was felt by everyone he met. He taught us patience. He taught us faith. He taught us compassion and impermanence. He reminded us which things in life to hold on to and cherish and which things to let go. But, most of all, he taught us to love.

Little by little, he grew bigger and stronger. One day, while spring was roaring a welcome, he was freed from his confinement and tumbled into the great, wide world. As the years passed, his body forgot those dark, early days, but his spirit remembered – and so he lived his life deliberately. He ran for the joy of running. He laughed to hear the sound of his voice. He climbed and jumped and tumbled to feel the strength of his healthy body. He met the world with interest and bright anticipation and approached every soul he met as a friend. He grew glorious and shining and perfect ... and now he is three. And we stand by and watch in wonder and are ever amazed.