To our dear son Mikael Jeonneung (전능) Lewis Burkebile… At 4:21am on July 14, you entered our world and changed it for the better. You see, we have been eagerly anticipating you not just for the last 9 months… but for the last 2+ years as we began to imagine what it would be like to bring yet another incredible person into our family after experiencing the depth of joy and love that your brother had brought with him. We sat and wondered whether you’d be a boy or a girl… what you might be like. How you might resemble your brother and how you would be entirely yourself. We cherished the idea that you’d multiply the love and laughter in our household in the same way your brother did before you.
When we discovered you were a boy, we couldn’t help but let our minds wander about the potential for a deep, bonded relationship that you and your brother could have. How you could explore together, protect and sharpen each other, and yes… drive me and your dad crazy together as only boys might do.
We did not come to your name lightly. In fact, you almost carried several other names that felt better suited to a formula your dad and I created when we first named your brother. But sometimes, we go against our own plans and follow the soft whisperings of our hearts that come from above.
Your name, Mikael Jeonneung (전능), is inspired by the "almightiness, the omnipotence of God". A characteristic that is all too often forgotten in our daily lives when the harshness of the day feels like the only thing before us. And because God lives in you and all of us sweet son, so does His unwavering love, His mercy, His grace, and His goodness. As you go through the joys, the trials, and the toils of this life, may you always be reminded and draw upon His mightiness, and be the light to remind others of His might as well.
May you also be inspired by your Grandfather, Lewis, whose name means "renowned warrior". While Grandpa Lew could never be mistaken as conventional, he is known to us and many as a great man with a solid heart of gold. A hard working man who instilled values of fierce devotion, diligence, honesty, commitment, and perseverance into our family. Who has questionable but uniquely charming humor 😜… but would always help his friends or family in need time and time again.
We are so eager to know you, son. To cherish all the unique qualities and quirks that make you who *you* are. Your older brother Soren captured our feelings best when in his first moments of meeting you, in a profound and awestruck whisper said, “Woooooow.” Yes, wow! You are already remarkable, have captured our hearts in full, and we love you endlessly.
Comments