The Meaning of Cade

It’s been a while since the extended Cellucci family welcomed a new baby. So, as we awaited the birth of my younger brother’s first child, we began the wagering to see what this new addition to our clan would be called. A few weeks ago, we welcomed my new nephew: Cade Lawrence. I had never heard the name Cade before and, when I first heard it, I was transported back 20 years ago when I drove my grandparents to visit my oldest nephew, Chase, in the hospital. It took me almost the whole car ride to explain to my Italian nonni what the name was, how it was pronounced, and to ensure that my especially strong-willed, Calabrian grandmother wouldn’t make an inappropriate comment. “What does it mean?” she asked repeatedly (thankfully not when she met him).

As I drove my children to meet their newest cousin, a silly argument broke out among the four of them culminating in one child’s forceful kicking of another’s seat and a strong admonishing by their father. The tone for the rest of the car ride was anything but joyful.

When we saw Cade, almost instantaneously, the somber, dejected faces of my children transformed into coos and giggles, excitement, and polite requests to get another turn to hold this little gift. The drive home from the hospital couldn’t have been more different than the ride there. The only arguments were giddy debates about which aspect of Cade was the cutest and which of the four cousins would be able to teach him the most.

It was as if the world began again thanks to the introduction of this little boy to our family. As we drove home and I listened to the happy chatter among my kids, I couldn’t help but think of a priest who once said that every birth of a baby is a sign that God hasn’t given up on the world, and that there’s always a chance for a new way, for possibility - for redemption. In life and leadership, do I greet each day and each person, be they three weeks or fifty years old, in a way that honors their significance to Christ?

Later that week, as I got to hold him again, I knew the meaning of Cade. As we enter into this new week, let’s celebrate the gift of not only new life, but all life, and God’s invitation to remake the world each day according to His will.