Life is filled with many milestones. Some exciting. Others sad. Many that are the common experience of all human beings: Your first day at school. Graduation. Your first job. College. Marriage. And the birth of your first child.
Yesterday, September, 24, 2014, was such a milestone for the Weliever family. Our daughter, Rachél, gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby boy–Roy Sharp Thompson. He entered this world at 3:23 pm EST, weighed in at 7lb, 7 oz, and is 20″ long.
Baby Roy is already a special little boy, because he’s our first grandchild! Yes, get ready for pictures, posts and of course, bragging! I suspect I will soon embrace Doug Larson’s observation–“the idea that no one is perfect is a view most commonly held by people with no grandchildren.”
Norma Jean and I are thrilled for Rachél, and her husband, Jared Thompson. Their thoughtful planning and spiritual 
emphasis on having a baby has been very impressive to us. They’re going to make great parents! And, of course, Norma Jean, is going to be a wonderful Grandmother!
As a reflect on the birth of baby Roy, I am reminded of the wise man’s statement “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children” (Prov 13:22)
We often think of an inheritance as monetary, but it may be the legacy of a good name, family traditions, special memories, or a spiritual heritage. In the case of Roy Sharp Thompson, it is all of the above!
Jared and Rachél chose his name from our family’s heritage. Sharp is Jared’s middle name, shared by his father and grandfather. Roy Weliever was Rachél’s Papaw, my Dad.
Both my Dad and Jared’s Father, Rick, have passed away. But their memory and legacy lives on. Both were good men. God’s men. Honorable men of virtue, integrity and righteousness. No doubt in the years to come Jared and Rachél will share with little Roy wonderful stories of his namesake.
Norma Jean and I are thankful for the love that Jared and Rachél share. Thankful for their love for the Lord. Thankful for their commitment to Christ. Thankful they have chosen to honor their family’s heritage in naming their son. Thankful for the wonderful privilege of being little Roys’ grandparents.
By the way, is too soon to begin giving some grandfatherly advice?! Well, Jared, you and Rachél can save this and read it to Roy when he’s older!
Little Roy, your grandmother and I pray that you will grow up to be like the men after whom you were named. We pray that you will honor your parents. Love your God. Obey the gospel. Serve your fellow-man. Grow in your faith. Discover and develop your God-given talents. Respect others. Enjoy life. And be the best you that you can be!
Sleep peacefully little fella. I love you. And look forward to holding you soon!
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
(Baby Roy’s Papaw)
ThePreachersWord 
Surely does look like a keeper. Congratulations to all of you.
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Congratulations Ken (and Norma Jean)!
It’s hard to beat this feeling and as they grow it keeps getting better!
One Grandfather to another
Craig Ropp
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Congratulations!
Wayne and Janet
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Hi Ken,
Congratulations on the birth of your first grandbaby! So happy for you and what wonderful thoughts you have expressed! God bless you and yours!
Jeannie Chandler
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Thanks Jeannie! I appreciate it. And thanks for reading my blog!
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So happy for you both! There is nothing like holding your grandchild for the first time!! Enjoy! Keela
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Congratulations Ken and Norma!! Roy is so precious!
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Congrats, Ken and Norma. We’re only five ahead of you.
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Here via the UBC… congratulations! Glad to hear that your daughter and Roy are doing well… shower the little guy with as much love as you can. 🙂
Blessings,
Melissa
http://www.measi.net/measiblog/
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Thanks so much, Melissa!
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WOW, your are a GRANDPAW. I am happy for you and Norm. Rufus
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I am, Rufus! Thanks!
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Ken,
Tom and I are very happy for you, Norma Jean and Terri. We know exactly how you feel as we have a new grandaughter who is now 4 weeeks old. Grand children truly are the icing on the cake.
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Congratulations to all! What true joy grandbabes are! And I join Mr. Larson in his thoughts, cause I sure think I have five of the cutest and perfect little souls ever!
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LOL! I love it!
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Now your lives will really change,but for the better. Congratulations !!!
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YIPPIE – SO HAPPY THAT YOU CAN NOW JOIN THE RANKS OF ALL OF US OLDER FOLKS. WE EVEN HAVE GREATS NOW. AMAZING. BRING PICTURES TO ARK. WHEN YOU COME. OF COURSE GRANDPARENTS ARE NEVER WITHOUT PICTURES. CONGRATS
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Thanks Billie! Don’t worry there will be pics!
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Thanks designed for sharing such a pleasant opinion, piece of writing
is good, thats why i have read it fully
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