Monday, November 10, 2008

Patrick's Baptism

I can't help it; I am a sucker for tradition. I love family heirlooms and stories and basically anything that is older and has meaning. My engagement ring means the absolute world to me because some of the finest women wore it before me. Every time I look at it I think of the generations before me and the stories this ring could tell of life and family and kids. It makes me feel like I am part of something bigger than myself and that makes me feel special.

So when Pat and Ray offered to have Patrick borrow the Flowers' baptismal gown for his Christening I was overjoyed. I could tell from Toby's raised eyebrows and questioning look he was asking me silently, "We're going to put him in a dress?" Yep, we are, sweetie. You wore it, your siblings wore it, even your Dad and his siblings wore it. It's tradition! (I would start singing "Tradition" from Fiddler on the Roof but only Sue and my Dad would know what I was talking about). My Mom and Pat worked on the gown to make it wearable for the baptism. Many thanks to them as I would have been completely clueless as to where to start in trying to restore an old, delicate garment such as that!

The Baptism itself went great. Patrick didn't cry when the priest poured holy water over his head and he sat relatively quiet in the pew as mass went on. Grandma Pat and Grandpa Ray gave Patrick a tiny Miraculous Medal to wear, just like Toby's Gram used to do for all of her children and Grandchildren. Meme and Papa Joe let Patrick borrow the white blanket that Papa Joe used at his baptism.

Afterwards, my parents had everyone over to their house for a reception. There was an outpouring of love for Patrick on that day. So many people came to bless and support him. Thanks everyone for being there! It meant so much to us. A special thank you to Great Grandparents, Bob and Francis McGill, for traveling all the way from Florida!

Here's a slideshow of the day's events:

2 comments:

Angie said...

I forgot to thank Brandon, Katie and Mollie for the pictures. Thanks guys!

TERA said...

I almost cried. I love it! God continue to bless Patrick and his wonderful family. Mom you were looking like a hottie!