When Love Came To Town, it arrived in the form of a 7 lb. 14 oz. baby boy named Sebastian Alexander Darby. As a grandmother, I’ve experienced love many times – the enduring love for my husband, the безусловная любовь for my four children, even the long-distance affection for my grandson, Asher, in Virginia. But the arrival of Sebastian brought a new dimension of love, transforming our household and hearts in unexpected ways.
A Love That Changes Everything
Holding Sebastian, gazing at his tiny features, became our favorite pastime. Sleepless nights were filled with a quiet joy, a sense of awe and wonder at this perfect little being. Suddenly, mundane tasks like laundry, normally met with “hate-with-the-fire-of-a-thousand-suns,” became bearable, even effortless. The inherent selfishness that often characterizes us gave way to a selfless desire to serve, to nurture, to do anything to ensure Sebastian’s comfort and happiness.
A grandmother holding her newborn grandson.
This tiny human, with his innocent gaze and soft skin, prompted BIG THOUGHTS about God, life, family, change, and the miracle of new beginnings. He became the sun around which our family orbited, drawing us closer, strengthening bonds, and reminding us of what truly matters. He even inspired culinary creativity, prompting a giant vat of Carne con Papas, because, as any Cuban knows, food is the language of love.
Welcoming Sebastian into the Family Fold
Sebastian’s arrival coincided with a visit from his uncle Adam, creating the surreal and joyous experience of having all four children and the newest grandson under one roof. The house was filled with laughter, love, and the comforting aroma of Cuban cooking.
A family gathered around a table, celebrating with a newborn.
Embracing our Cuban heritage, we welcomed Sebastian with traditional gifts of violetas (perfume) and an azabache (a black jet charm for protection). He took to it all like a true “Cuban trooper,” further cementing his place in our hearts and family traditions.
A baby with traditional Cuban gifts of violetas and an azabache.
When Love Becomes a Nickname
And because every Cuban baby needs a nickname, we lovingly call him “Bash.” As for the perpetually grinning grandmother showering him with kisses? Call her “Wella,” a testament to the overflowing wellspring of love that Sebastian brought into our lives. He became the glue that bound us even tighter, filling our days with a special kind of “crazy-happiness.”
A mother holding her newborn baby, wrapped in a personalized blanket.
Sebastian’s arrival wasn’t just about adding another member to our family; it was about experiencing a transformative love that deepened existing relationships, softened hearts, and redefined what it means to be a family. It was about when love came to town and changed everything for the better.
