Born during a pandemic, surrounded by wildfires, on the anniversary of September 11…
our family welcomed Abigail,
our first grandchild.
What a joy! She is beautiful beyond belief. At 7 pounds 4 ounces she had to fight her way into world. Her mom labored over 30 hours, and then had to have a Cesarean Section, so that Baby Abby would be safe. But when she arrived, she had healthy lungs, and a strong voice! She will need that.
Our daughter was magnificent. Strong, and unflappable, and her husband, one hundred percent with her all the way. A perfect partnership for our little Abigail.
Now, the grandparents were a different story. We’re exhausted. And so far, all we have done is text, order take out, and second guess the doctor’s decisions!
But today was a glorious day. We welcomed Baby Abby to her home here in Berkeley. And we got to hold her while her parents settled in. It felt so natural to hold that little life, but it also felt like an awesome responsibility.
Before Abigail arrived, we fretted. A pandemic. Extraordinary heat. Destructive fires. Red skies. Racial injustice. It felt overwhelming. But in a miraculous way, in her birth, we found hope.
For Robert and me, it has a been a rebirth of the spirit.
Born during a pandemic, surrounded by wildfires, on the anniversary of September 11th…we found love in a hopeless place, and it is our Abigail.
We feel blessed in every way. And we will keep fighting to make this world a better place for our new granddaughter, our hope for the future. Our heart.
A huge congratulations to you, Robert, and your entire family! After reading Robert's myriad, very thoughtful and thought-provoking newsletters and many of your garden blogs, Jill, I can definitively say that Abigail is one lucky granddaughter. You two will provider her with so much love, wisdom and fun. My husband and I became grandparents 2 1/2 years ago, and it's been the BEST experience ever! Before we had a granddaughter, we couldn't understand how obsessed people were with their grandchildren, but now we know and so do you! ENJOY to the MAX!
Sending love, Margo Shapiro
As I read your words, "Born during a pandemic, surrounded by wildfires, on the anniversary of September 11…our family welcomed Abigail", I am struck by the sense of calm and hope you emit despite the chaos all around. Please know that your tender and lovely garden blog alongside the wise words of the newsletter, have kept me going over the last many months. You both are a gift to so many of us and it is a thrill to see the gift of a grandchild in your world. Wishing your family peace and love. Warmly, an appreciative subscriber, Megan
Thank you for providing gladness glasses. Too often I don sadness spectacles. My tiny lime tree has 7 marble sized limes. I see them now because of your pear tree. Thank you for better vision.
In the mist of darkness there is always light. May Abigail be a source of light and hope to you and your family everyday. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Congratulations, Jill and Rob! She's a beauty! Enjoy your time with her, your daughter and son-in-law. Best, Leslie and Dave