If someone had talked with Nate as a high school student and told him he’d end up married with seven kids, he’d have guffawed heartily while sputtering, “Never!”
The fact that it panned out that way is a credit to his flexibility. Each one that came along turned into a fascination for him, each for different reasons. Nate knew nothing about babies as a newlywed, and when Nelson was born weighing in at 10 pounds, his first words as a father, spoken in the delivery room were, “He’s so tiny!” The medical staff had a good howl over that one.
But even though Nate didn’t relate in a natural way to newborns, he jumped in with both feet and participated wholeheartedly. I remember watching him hold Nelson for the first time while still in his green scrubs, bringing the baby nose-to-nose and staring at his face in silence. Nate was mesmerized, or maybe just in shock. Although I’d like to ascribe a spiritual meaning to what he was thinking at that moment, it was probably something basic like, “I can’t believe a real human being just came out of Margaret!”
As the years went by, he became adept at handling one, two, three kids at once. I was focused on babies from the time I could hold onto one. Nate, on the other hand, hadn’t held a baby until his own. Hunting for certain pictures to post each day, I’ve come across endless photos of Nate amidst crowds of kids. His smiles are broad, and he appears to be having a good time. I’m not sure I ever gave him credit for how far he’d come on that score. He wasn’t just willing to raise a large family but was enthusiastic about doing it. And for him the real pay-dirt came as each got older. The more birthdays they had, the better he related. And when his life was given an end-date, his kids were the people he wanted to be with and talk to, his greatest treasures.
Since many of you have commented on how much you like to see pictures posted on this site, you’ll find a whole bunch today. Lets title the gallery, “Kids, Kids, Kids… and Nate.” The random nature in which the photos attached themselves to the post is somewhat representative of life with seven kids, even though the real reason they’re all over the place is that I don’t know how to do it right!
“Who are these with you?” he asked. Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant.” (Genesis 33:5)
As you probably already knew, I love these photos. My camera is always near me; priceless photos that help our memories stay sharp, later on. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Margaret –
This is so precious! I love all of them, but the one of Nate and two kids on the fence with their backs to us is my favorite I think. How wonderful to have pictures isn’t it?
What a beautiful stroll down memory lane–I love it! It is a wonderful tapestry of life as a Dad, and it looks like Nate was enjoying it. Thanks for sharing these special family moments with your devoted audience. The one of Nate with one on his back in the carrier while he’s combing another’s hair is my favorite. Looks like no big deal for him as a Dad…he figured it out. You could write a blog on ‘Lessons from a Great Dad.’ XO
A picture is worth a thousand words! Lots of kids and a dad who loves them…great blessings from God.
Good morning, Margaret. I loved seeing all the pictures of the kids with Nate. While I’ve been teased for always having the camera ready, it’s so worth it when you can look back and see moments in time captured by the camera. I hope the pictures put a smile on your face today.
I only knew Nate professionally, and only for a short while, but I distinctly remember him talking proudly about his kids. He reminded me of my own Dad when I met him, which is how I knew I was in good hands.
Thank you for sharing your memories and photos with us! You are giving us the opportunity to see him for the person you fell in love with and interacted with.
Great pictures, Margaret. It is obvious Nate relished the role of dad. He leaves a big hole in the life of his family. I know you all miss him more than words can capture.
Love,
Terry
I LOVE the pictures!! It brings back so many great memories of time spent with you guys as a kid. Keep them coming!
Margaret, I’ve been reading your posts quite regularly but haven’t replied until now. I don’t think that any of us are truly prepared to be fathers: girls are much more prepared to be mothers than guys are to be fathers. We have to grow into the role. Fortunately, a great majority of us do manage to do so, but it is quite possible that we do not become fully prepared for the role until grandchildren come along, and even then, the growing continues. From your words and pictures, it’s obvious that Nate did “jump in with both feet”. I know you miss him, but even now his role in your children’s lives will not be diminished.
This is the first post where I have actually laughed out loud. 🙂 ” I can’t believe a real human being just came out of Margaret. ” Love it!
What great memories and a special privlege to have you share them with us. Nate truely was a great Dad. Love you.
Wonderful pictures!!
I love the pictures, Margaret!
Beautiful! This wonderful assortment of photos inspires me to carry my camera more often. Pictures = a chance to stop time and hold the moments in your hand. Thanks for the reminder, Margaret.
WOW. You are really very fortunate to have such wonderful memories and a life full of love and devotion from your husband and children.
Love the pictures – especially the one in which it looks like Nelson is wearing – is that an early version of the Snuggie!??
Nate story – when Jim and I were relatively new parents, we thought it was time we had wills done, so we went to see Nate (you sent us those and it brought back this sweet memory). We took Stephanie with us who was about 8 months old at the time. While we were busy signing everything, he graciously held her and looked thoroughly comfortable doing it. How many people have the experience of having their attorney hold their 8-month old? Nate was a joy to know and a gift from God to anyone trying to navigate anything legal.