Just under 3 years ago while traveling at 70mph across the California desert, word came to us that our sixth grandchild would be born 3 months premature.  His mother chose to name him Griffin after the half-lion half-eagle creature of “divine power”.  With a tiny 1.5 pound body that fit in the palm of your hand, Griffin amazed everyone with his ability to survive the trauma of two surgeries that would have ended the life of a mere mortal.  And while,  his body and mind were now denied any semblance of normalcy,  nature allowed him to keep the heart of lion and the free spirit of the eagle. 

Griffins are also known as guardians of treasure.  And while we now, sadly, prepare for him to leave his mortal confinement, we can take great comfort in discovering what his legendary life force will still accomplish.