Benjamin Isaac

My oldest nephew's name is Benjamin Isaac Scorgie. He just turned seven on March 24th. As far as I can recall, this is his first birthday that I haven't been there to celebrate with him. He was born when I was in high school but we often came down to Southern Ontario to visit my brother and his family on the March Break, so we were around for his birthday. Then for the past four years I was living nearby attending university. For his third birthday we had a bunch of kids over. It was madness, I tell you! Three-year-olds just do not understand that the gift they bring for the birthday boy is not theirs to keep. Last year for Ben's birthday we had a good old fashioned campfire in their backyard.

Auntie Maria & Benjamin, Fall 2010

This year, however, I wasn't there to celebrate his life on the special day. You see, my brother and his family moved to Manitoba this past fall. I am so very happy for them that they are where God wants them to be, but I do miss them a lot, especially my boys, Benjamin and Ezra. I haven't been the greatest at keeping in contact with them, but I didn't want Ben to think I had forgotten about his 7th birthday. So I made a video with my webcam for him, decorated a homemade birthday card, printed a photo of him and me together, and sent him an e-card. Today I got to talk to him on the phone. It was pure delight.

He's just started taking piano lessons. He played "God Is So Good" and then "Jesus Loves Me." Then he came on the phone and talked my ear off. It was wonderful :) He told me all about the fort that he and Ezra are building in the yard out of wood, bricks, sticks, and other random materials. Sounds awesome! I wish I could see it. He was just so expressive and I loved hearing him excited about life. He told me he is SOOOOO excited about our family reunion in Edmonton this August. I think it will be the highlight of his summer and of mine. He told me he's saving his allowance money for the trip, giving up buying hockey stickers now so he can save. I told him I'm saving up too.

Benjamin them proceeded to warm my heart by telling me that he, and I quote, "Really, really, really, really, REALLY, REALLY" wants me to come visit them. He said he'd give me a tour of their small town. I said I think he'd make an awesome tour guide. I can't wait to see this precious nephew of mine soon. I thank God for him and I'm committed to praying for him. I take my role of Auntie seriously. Benjamin is so easy to love and talk to. He's growing up so quickly, but I remember holding him when he was only a couple of days old. Now he's using big words, typing emails, riding his bike around town, and losing teeth. Benjamin Isaac, I love you!