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Alderen kjem ikkje aleine; han fører så mye med seg.
Age does not come alone, it brings so much with it.
(A Norwegian proverb) 

It has certainly been special to have my parents nearby during the fresh exhilerations and adjustments to parenthood.  They have brought many meals, groceries, cheery flowers, beers for Arden, and cleaned many floors and bathrooms.  My Mom slept on our floor the first night Zoey came home and my Dad spent the day of her birth with his ear to the door awaiting her first cry; ever prayerful, ever present.  Now, during the past months of getting to know our daughter and steadying our feet upon the path of parenthood, they have been a calming breeze of joy and praise, cheering us on to great things.  They will be known as Bestemor and Bestefar (Norwegian for Grandma and Grandpa) to Zoey.  I am so grateful for parents who speak life into this young Mama's heart.

Oh, man, do I miss them when they are gone.  I just... love them.