Elijah Raymond Pritchard

Eli and Mark.

Nap time.

A very happy family.

Knox checks out his new cousin.

Knox, Josh, Leah, Mark, Vanessa, Eli.

Late Wednesday afternoon Elijah Raymond Pritchard finally arrived. I really shouldn’t say “finally” because he actually was born on his due date. Vanessa is doing great and so is Eli. Mark is ecstatic. The grandparents are delighted. At the moment we’re in Oregon, then we’re in New York, but we’re making our way to Dallas as soon as we can.

I should note that he has his grandfather’s middle name. But I was named for my father so Eli carries the name of his grandfather and his great-grandfather. My dad didn’t live long enough to know any of his grandchildren, much less his great-grandchildren, but speaking on his behalf (which I normally wouldn’t do), I am certain he would be very proud and very happy today. I know Mark and Vanessa honored me by naming him Raymond, and I accept the honor in the name of my father too. I like the sound of Elijah Raymond. I pray God gives to that little boy the wisdom and compassion of his great-grandfather and the spirit of Elijah the mighty prophet of God. 

Many generations have come together in this little boy. May God bless him indeed, in every way, every day, forever.