A New Hope

As Natalie and I approach the final days of our simple, carefree phase of life where we are free to operate selfishly as a couple unburdened by the responsibility of a child, we look forward to the chance to form a human into someone who might grow into a contributing community member operating within the chaos and uncertainty of the world we find ourselves in.

We're lucky enough to have people we love dearly scattered across the map. In preparation for an upcoming baby shower, we were confronted with the question of 'what do people do during a baby shower'? With many of the anticipated attendees beloved friends and family members we don't see as often as we would like, gathering folks under one roof to celebrate is something wonderful, however there are likely gaps to be filled with small talk that airs on the side of 'best behavior'. Although this is a time-proven tactic to overcome the challenge of sharing a meal with a stranger, albeit connected via the host, we wanted to invite guests to try out medium to larger talk. This helps us each grow not only as a network peripherally connected via this new life, but with each other in bonds established with a deeper understanding beyond just "what have you been up to lately?" or the classic "how is work going?" Additionally, not everyone we wish to join us will be able to and this idea is a way to build a connection regardless of attendance.

With that in mind, we assembled the following questionnaire framed as if our upcoming Son is attempting to get to know the people in his life who care about him before he arrives. As all of us are on a spectrum of existence that has started and will one day end, how we answer these questions is likely to change depending on where we fall on that spectrum. You've likely thought about each of these things at one point or another, but we find it is healthy to revisit them and establish how we feel about the world throughout our existence.

We understand not everyone will be able to attend, so we wanted to share our questions we hope you'll answer thoughtfully. Fill out the optional questionnaire at this link here. Your responses will remain confidential unless you state otherwise.

Max can’t wait to meet you!

Thank you for coming to Maxwell Hunter Healy’s baby shower!  We are excited to introduce him to you.  You are an important part of our life.  As a unique member of our community, we invite you to complete the following prompts to introduce yourself to him. Combined with the input from the fellow friends and family, your thoughts will collectively form a mosaic of influence in his life he can reflect on in the future.

• Name:

• Relationship:

• Alma mater/ occupation:

• Pastimes/ hobbies/ sports:

• Favorite corners of the earth to explore:

• What do you care about?

• Earliest memory:

• Favorite music:

• How do you confront pain?

• What does heaven on earth look like to you? Is it achievable?

• Favorite movies:

• What brings you joy?

• Favorite books:

• Favorite family tradition:

• Define God:

• Should death be feared?

• What gives you hope?

• Can Maxwell call you to discuss your answers when he is old enough to ask questions of his own? (okay if not)

• Additional thoughts:

Natalie, Dan and Max can’t thank you enough for being part of our lives!  Looking forward to seeing you in the years to come.

To fill this out, click this link here. Thank you!!!!