Baptized

Kitty turning 8 this year meant that she is old enough to be baptized.  In the months leading up to Kitty's birthday, we talked in depth about what it means to be baptized.  We allowed Kitty to choose for herself whether or not she was ready and desirous to enter the waters of baptism.  Her answer was, "Yes!"  We set Halloween morning as the big day.

I felt a lot of sadness a few weeks before her baptism.  Not because she was making the wrong choice, but because I feel like she is growing far too rapidly.  I only have one shot at raising a kid, and I was feeling sad that Kitty is already 8.  How did we get here so quickly?

However, on the day of her baptism, I felt complete peace and joy.  My home was full of family who had graciously traveled for the event, and I soaked in the conversations and laughter around me with complete gratitude and love.  The day went perfectly and was incredibly beautiful.  As I held her hand and helped her down the stairs into the water to meet Michael, my heart swelled.  I stood and watched my little family, the two people I love more than anything standing together in the waters of baptism, and I felt serene.  It was a truly special day for all of us. 

Because of Covid restrictions, a lot of family joined us via the internet.  I'm grateful for the technology that allowed us to stream the day to those who couldn't attend in person.  What a blessing.  And another blessing was that my dad took loads of pictures!  I am so glad he was there to document the day. He captured the inner workings of the kitchen, where my mommy and sissy stood by my side, he captured the friends and family who came to support Kitty on her big day, and he took a picture of me with my Kitty and husband - the first family photo we've had in years.  (Because I'm lazy and never take family photos.) 

After the service, we dined on ham and cheese sliders and deliciously beautiful sugar cookies from my sister-in-law.  We laughed and played, we watched football, and we prepared for the ever important trick-or-treating.  Prepare yourself for the deluge of photos ahead.   

What a spectacular day!  Congratulations to Kitty!