Today is my son’s fourth birthday. It’s so hard to believe that my “baby” is getting so big!
Ephraim William Sorrell was born at 12:50 (just after noon) on a Friday. He had a head full of dark hair, blue eyes, and chubby cheeks. The name Ephraim (eh – from) comes from St. Ephraim the Syrian, a fourth century saint who was a writer, hymnographer, poet, and musician. In addition, Ephraim is a Biblical name. Ephraim was the second son of Joseph in the Old Testament. There is an OT story in which Joseph’s father, Jacob, comes to bless Joseph’s 2 sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. In those days one would put his right hand on the oldest son for a blessing, but Jacob switched his hands and put his right hand on Ephraim’s head and his left on Manasseh’s head. Joseph said, “You’re mixed up! Manasseh is the oldest!” And Jacob answered, “I know. And Manasseh will be great and have many descendants, but Ephraim will be greater and have more descendants.” And it was true!
After Ephraim was born, we found out that I had an ancestor (I think my great-great-great grandfather) whose middle name was Ephraim!
We named him William after my brother, who passed away in 2000. William is also my father’s name and my grandfather’s name.
Ephraim has been active from day one. He walked at nine months and was climbing onto a chair, then onto the top of the table at about 14 months. His big grin is something to see, especially when he’s proud of himself! Ephraim has always loved to play and laugh, and he’s brought a lot of laughter and joy to our family. He is curious about the world and about how things work, loves to take things apart (but doesn’t always put them back together!). He enjoys building with blocks, playing games, playing swordfight, dressing up, dragons, and trucks. He usually comes home covered in dirt from head to toe! (Typical boy.) He is still little enough to love to cuddle and sit in your lap, but big enough to get into trouble sometimes!! It is wonderful to see him become a kind and sharing kid, to see him care for his sister, to hear him talk about Jesus, to see him happily play with his friends.
Ephraim, we love you so much and are glad you are part of our family! Happy 4th birthday!!!
