A panegyric for Walker Samuel

Per Webster's: Panegyric -- a eulogy, a speech of praise, a tribute.

I wanted a special word for a special being. Although ever so tiny, his presence was mighty. Walker Samuel arrived on 2-11-07 and chose to leave on 2-16-07. Not a very long stay but time enough to make a huge impact on those of us who knew him and were there for his parents.

(I have not cleared with his parents to use their names as yet, so I am respecting their privacy here. However,I don't think Walker would mind me identifying him.)

In my earlier post, I alluded to the pastoral care that was calling me into service.Gratefully and perfectly, I did not need to be caring for my mother this week, so I was home and available. Little did I know what this little boy would offer to me through his process. I had been involved with Walker since his conception and through the pregnancy. I met him his first day on the planet. He was this tiny, perfect being dwarfed by the ICU equipment and swarms of medical attendants. A beautiful baby boy with all the requisite fingers and toes, black hair and pink cheeks. Walker came in with health into them because they didn't lapse into victimhood; only dismay and profound sadness in losing something that they had waited so long to have.

Last night, after Walker had peacefully passed on, those of us in attendance were awestruck by his beauty and perfection. For the brief time he was alive, he was always hooked up to so many wires and tubes that you could not appreciate just how gorgeous he was. Oh, that little nose of his . . .

All of us kept thanking Walker for what he brought and taught. I know that he gifted each of us with so much. What a powerful soul to be able to do so much in so little time. I know we may never know why he had such an abbreviated time here; what his personal purpose was -- but oh, how we shall feel the effects of his choices.
If only I could be a movie camera to follow and witness his effect on each of the individuals--from his family to the friends of friends; or the hospital staff--it would be awesome to see how his life altered ours.

As I stood on the mountaintop in prayer today, I knew that I was a different person today thanks to Walker and his parents. Gratitude for life fills me. I am awed by God.

In peace . . .

nb: For those of you who read this blog and can determine the family involved, please note that they have requested that you do not call or contact them at this time. And in lieu of flowers or such, donations can be made to a specific department at the NICU at UCSD. I will have that specific information later this week. You may contact me at revduchess@cox.net