CRAIG KIRBY: HIS STRENGTH IS AS THE STRENGTH OF TEN

By: Norberto Betita

Each time his grandmother is out on travel, my grandson Craig Kirby usually sleeps beside me in our bedroom. He always enjoyed and loved our company as grandparents. He is very respectful of us and obedient, although like other children, he also has his own occasional tantrums. He is growing fast and physically strong; good looking and joyful. When bored, he sits in front of the computer for games. But he loves more the outside atmosphere, playing outdoor games with neighborhood friends. He reads the scriptures and prays with us and volunteers to give lessons for our family home evenings. He is such a good boy, although at times disturbed by the early challenges of his childhood. As his grandfather, I have every wish in my heart that I may be given enough time to live as to help guide him into his journey to the unknown future and help him discover the great potential that is in his person. I wish I will have more time for him as paternal substitute.

First honors grade V with Daddy Oliver

He was born on June 4, 2005 and today is his 10th birthday celebration. I awaken him and greeted him with a happy birthday hug and kiss. He said, “thank you, ‘lo.” I kind of sing for him “happy birthday, way manok (no chicken), hamok spaghetti, way sagol” (plenty of spaghetti, but no ingredients). He just laughed. Of course he never expects a sumptuous feast for his birthday. He knows and understands well our present circumstances. All he needs is for him to feel being loved by all in the family. The night before, his mother was kind of irritated as a result of his delayed enrolment. She complained of Craig Kirby’s welfare as being passed on like a ball from one player to another and was only done after she got a little mad. He was listening, and to comfort him the family jested of him as being like a ball tossed to and fro. He just smiled. In previous days, I observed him worried about his enrolment. Whenever he called his father and was promised it will be soon, he would immediately cut the call. I always assured him not to worry for if nobody cares, we as his grandparents will take responsibility.

With mommy Hazel

Earlier, he was most affected by the estrangement problem that he and his siblings experienced. He had to waste one full school year. However, he eventually regained courage and faith to face his adversity and went back to school with greater conviction and deeper determination. He ended up fourth in his class. After receiving his medal, he promised his mother that he would do better. With continued challenges that are crossing his way even in the early laps of his journey, I can only hope that he will have the needed continuing personal motivation to do better and excel. I do have great faith in his capabilities and intellectual capacity. I trust and have faith in his ability to handle his life as he runs through his personal challenges. How I really wanted to see him walk the isles of success.

As he now turns ten years old, my thoughts hark back the memory of the Poem “Sir Galahad” by Alfred Lord Tennyson:

“My strength is as the strength of ten
Because my heart is pure.” (lines 3–4, Sir Galahad, Wikipedia)

My wish today is for him to continue with his early love and faith in Jesus Christ as for him to grow in obedience and righteousness that by his pure heart, he may truly have the strength of ten to battle and win against his personal confrontations with adversity. He has been given the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide him through as he remain worthy of its influence. Then perhaps in the midst of his own tempestuous voyage, like Sir Galahad, he would a vision see and hear the still small voice utter:

“When down the stormy crescent goes,
A light before me swims,
Between dark stems the forest glows,
I hear a noise of hymns:
Then by some secret shrine I ride;
I hear a voice but none are there;” (lines 25–30)

As both his substitute father and grandfather, I am ever hopeful that he will, along his life’s trek, be able to fully comprehend and understand that the early dark moments of his life was not meant to bury him in the depths of despair and woe, but was to have him planted in the fertile garden of life to gain roots strong enough to hold him tight while facing continued winds of adversity along his path to glory. As Sir Galahad continues:

“As down dark tides the glory slides,
And star-like mingles with the stars.” (lines 47–48)

If one day, by chance, my tomorrow never comes, with this piece and writings I want him to know that he is one of my dearly beloved posterity whom I wanted to meet in a grand reunion someday. May he live his life as to qualify for the Lord’s promised glory. In this day of his birth I wish him the best that the future holds. May he grow ever stronger each day with continued faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and a nobler vision to follow the tough and uphill trail to victory.

CRAIG KIRBY, my eldest grandson, what a boy you are! As I think of the best words to describe your boyhood in this your birthday, I have to stop and wipe my tears. You’re such a very good boy to me and to your grandma. Sometimes I wonder why at times you are a little stubborn to your parents, but to us you always take only a word to obey. You always give us your highest respect, that even for little things you always ask for our permission and authority. I see in you an innate intellectual and learning capacity. Given proper parental guidance you have the potential for greater personal success. It breaks my heart though that when the boredom of home becomes inevitable, I could not easily be with you where you wanted to go and relax. Good that your uncles are ever ready substitutes. How I wish I will have an extended life to help guide you through the most challenging journey of your life. We love you very much. We will stand by you throughout the remaining days of our lives. May you find joy and gladness in this your natal day celebration.

MY ELDEST GRANDSON CRAIG KIRBY, IN BEHALF OF THE BETITA FAMILY, I EXPRESS OUR WARMEST AND MOST SINCERE GREETINGS TO YOU ON THIS YOUR NATAL DAY. HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!