PHOTOGRAPH: This week my dad, David Maul, turned 84. He was born in London in 1928, “within the sound of Bow Bells” (Bow Bells are the bells of the church of St. Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, London. To be “born within the sound of Bow Bells” is the traditional definition of a Cockney).

I’m not going to give a summary of my dad’s life here, except to say that 1928 is a long time ago. And, during that long time, dad has lived more than eight decades without wavering from his upstanding character, genuine faith, generous heart and faithful commitment to family. He is, without question, one of the best men I have ever known.

PARTY: So, yesterday evening, as many of the immediate family as possible gathered for a celebration. I was searching for the definitive birthday photo when I glanced up to see my niece Hannah’s son, Hudson, in earnest conversation with his great-grandpa. Bingo! That was it.

I have around ten phenomenal photos from the evening, but this one captures the moment. Can you see the light illuminating Hudson’s face? At first glance it seems to come from the open door, but I like to think he is capturing light from his great-grandpa David. And I believe the animation in Hudson’s expression is also being absorbed – like life from the touch of an angel – from the love and the attention of my dad.

1928 meets 2012. Can’t you see the beautiful interface of elderly and young? Can’t you feel the spirit of great-grandpa David’s life well-lived echoed in Hudson’s anticipation of the adventure to come?

What I see is love.

BITTER-SWEET: I really miss my brother Geoff (Hudson’s “pop-pop”) on occasions like this. But I also feel the strength of the continuity of love that continues to cover us all.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3;1)

(This is my niece’s family. My brother’s daughter, Hannah, her husband, Andrew, and their children, Haley, Hudson, and foster-baby Hannah.)

In love, and because of love – DEREK