A Real(ly) Memorial Weekend


“Selling Memory Insurance”, read a sign outside a photo-developing store. I have always been so amused at that sign; how clever it is and how it gets to your heart. It brought a smile to my face every time I drove by it.

I have several precious memories in my life ranging from my childhood in Brazil to my current stage in life as a husband and father. Memories like having to prod my wife to respond to my request of marriage (she hugged me and cried but failed to say yes at first) and that of holding my son after he was born.

Well, this weekend will go into my memory bank for a long time. I say this not only due to unexpected challenges that arose prior to our mission trip, but mainly because of something my almost two year old son said to me.

Last night, (Sunday May 28) as I put my son in bed, I held him and told him (in Portuguese) that I would be leaving for about 10 days and that the next time I got to put him in bed we would be in Brazil. Little did I know that he understood what I was telling him. Just a few hours before leaving for the airport, in the midst of the chaos that took over my office, Gabe said his first sentence. With his sweet eyes fixed on his father he expressed the desire of his heart.

“Don’t go” he said to me. I looked across the hall where one of our youth volunteers mouthed back to me what Gabe had said. We were both amazed.

I can't help but think of the amazement in the eyes of Jesus' disciples when they heard them say the He would never leave them. Jesus was telling them that they would never have to ask Jesus no to go, because he promised not to.

If first impressions (and first sentences) really last forever, I will never forget the words of my son. And Gabe, daddy will be with you soon in Brazil.